Naomi Osaka v Aryna Sabalenka LIVE: Wimbledon 2026 latest scores, results and order of play from fourth-round blockbuster after Novak Djokovic result
‘Tomorrow’s my daughter’s birthday. I didn’t want to make her get on a plane!’ – Osaka on high stakes of second round
Former world No 1 Naomi Osaka produced a brilliant performance to defeat top seed Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets and reach the quarter-finals of Wimbledon for the first time with a statement display against her fellow four-time grand slam winner.
Osaka, 28, had never previously gone beyond the third round at Wimbledon but while her fashion walk-outs have attracted considerable attention, the Japanese star has found serious form on the grass after struggling on the surface earlier in her career.
And despite losing her three previous meetings with the current world No 1, Osaka dominated the opening set before prevailing in a hard-fought second. A 6-2 7-6 victory means she now has a wonderful opportunity to go all the way, with the women’s draw set to crown a new Wimbledon champion once again.
Earlier, Novak Djokovic advanced to his ninth consecutive Wimbledon quarter-final and claimed the outright record for wins in the men’s singles as he overcame some testing moments to beat qualifier Roman Safiulin in four sets.
With his 7-6 (6), 6-3, 3-6 6-3 victory, Djokovic secured his 106th victory at the Championships, moving him clear of Roger Federer for the all-time men’s record. Djokovic will play either third seed Felix Auger-Aiassime or 22nd seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Tuesday’s quarter-final, as the 39-year-old Djokovic continues his bid for a record 25th grand slam title.
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Wimbledon LIVE: Latest tennis scores and updates
GAME, SET MATCH! Naomi Osaka 6-2 7-6 (7-2) Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka whacks a ball out of Centre Court in frustration! Another grand slam dream in tatters!
But that was brilliant from Osaka! She ends a three-match losing streak to Sabalenka, and powers into the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time.
There’s a hug at the net between Osaka and Sabalenka, but it is the former world No1, not the current one, who marches through!
Jamie Braidwood5 July 2026 19:03
GAME, SET MATCH! Naomi Osaka 6-2 7-6 (7-2) Aryna Sabalenka
Osaka skims the top of the net with the backhand and Sabalenka hacks long!
Match points to Osaka! Sabalenka saves the first with an ace out wide.
OSAKA THUNDERS THE RETURN AND KNOCKS OUT SABALENKA!
Jamie Braidwood5 July 2026 18:59
TIEBREAK! Naomi Osaka 6-2 6-6 (5-1) Aryna Sabalenka
Another forehand error from Sabalenka, this one pushed wide! A third error in a row from Sabalenka and Osaka is two points away!
Jamie Braidwood5 July 2026 18:57
TIEBREAK! Naomi Osaka 6-2 6-6 (3-1) Aryna Sabalenka
Osaka doesn’t blink behind serve on the tiebreak, quickly winning two points in a row as she thumps the ace. Sabalenka goes long on the backhand and Osaka gets the first mini-break!
Jamie Braidwood5 July 2026 18:56
TIEBREAK! Naomi Osaka 6-2 6-6 Aryna Sabalenka
But could Sabalenka get the break here? Osaka has to face 0-15 but Sabalenka can’t keep the return in play. That’s a poor miss, and it’s followed by an ace from Osaka.
Sabalenka slips as Osaka puts the forehand winner past her. Osaka thumps the serve to get to the tiebreak.
Now this is interesting. Sabalenka has won 21 tiebreaks in a row at grand slams, having extended that record in the first round.
Jamie Braidwood5 July 2026 18:54
*Naomi Osaka 6-2 5-6 Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka will come under more pressure from Osaka as she crushes a backhand winner but Sabalenka responds with an ace out wide. Osaka goes long on the return and despite being on the backfoot the whole match, Sabalenka is through to the tiebreak at least.
(PA)
Jamie Braidwood5 July 2026 18:51
Naomi Osaka 6-2 5-5 Aryna Sabalenka*
Sabalenka can’t take advantage of a backhand error from Osaka. On the next point, Sabalenka puts the return long, and Osaka quickly closes it out.
More frustration for Sabalenka.
Jamie Braidwood5 July 2026 18:48
*Naomi Osaka 6-2 4-5 Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka, for the first time in a long time, holds to love. The world No 1 has hung on in this second set, and will make Osaka hold to stay in it.
Jamie Braidwood5 July 2026 18:44
Naomi Osaka 6-2 4-4 Aryna Sabalenka*
This Osaka serve… still yet to face a break point, Sabalenka is yet to come up with any answers on the return. She lands her sixth ace of the match to level this second set at 4-4.
(Getty)
Jamie Braidwood5 July 2026 18:42
*Naomi Osaka 6-2 3-4 Aryna Sabalenka
A chance for Osaka at the net but she puts the smash into the bottom of the net. Sabalenka closes out the hold on serve with fewer issues than her last service.
Jamie Braidwood5 July 2026 18:39
