Naomi Osaka delivered a stunning performance on Centre Court, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) to reach her first Wimbledon quarter-final. The Japanese star, playing with poise and power, broke Sabalenka twice in the first set and dominated the tie-break to seal the victory in just over an hour. Sabalenka, the top seed, looked out of sorts, making uncharacteristic errors and struggling to find her rhythm against Osaka’s relentless groundstrokes.
Earlier, Novak Djokovic overcame Roman Safiullin in a tough four-set battle, advancing to the fourth round. The seven-time Wimbledon champion showed his trademark resilience, winning 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. Djokovic’s serve was crucial, firing 15 aces, while Safiullin fought valiantly but couldn’t sustain the pressure.
On Court 1, Felix Auger-Aliassime mounted a dramatic comeback against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. After losing the first set in a tie-break, the Canadian won the second set tie-break 8-6 and took the third 6-3. Davidovich, visibly fatigued and receiving treatment for an ankle issue, battled to a fourth set tie-break but Auger-Aliassime’s power proved too much. The match remained unfinished as of reporting.
Elsewhere, Hubert Hurkacz held a two-set lead over Jan-Lennard Struff, winning 6-3, 7-6 (7-5). The Polish big-server looked dominant, while Struff forced a fourth set tie-break. Defending champion Jannik Sinner started his match against Shintaro Mochizuki on Centre Court, leading 3-2 in the first set. Mochizuki, ranked outside the top 100, had said pre-match that Sinner would try to ‘destroy’ him.
British wild card Arthur Fery continued his fairytale run, defeating Zizou Bergs in a five-set thriller to reach the fourth round. The 23-year-old, plagued by nosebleeds throughout the tournament, fought back from 4-1 down in both the fourth and fifth sets to win 2-6, 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10/5) after four hours and 38 minutes. Fery’s courage and belief impressed the crowd on the smaller courts.
The day’s action saw a mix of upsets and comebacks, with Osaka’s win over Sabalenka stealing the headlines. The Japanese former champion, who has struggled with form and fitness in recent years, looked back to her best, moving freely and striking the ball cleanly. Sabalenka, meanwhile, will rue a missed opportunity to cement her world No. 1 status.
