How Osaka pulled off the upset over Sabalenka -- and what it means - ESPN

WIMBLEDON, England — The crowd knew before the match was over.

After dismantling world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the first set, Naomi Osaka had just taken a 5-1 lead in the second-set tiebreak. Those in attendance on Centre Court for the much-anticipated fourth-round match roared.

An excited hum then filled the stands.

History had clearly stated it wasn't supposed to go this way. Sabalenka, a four-time major champion, had reached the quarterfinals or better in her previous 14 major appearances. She had won all three of her meetings with Osaka this season, including at last month's French Open. Sabalenka, 28, had won 21 consecutive tiebreaks at majors — the longest streak in the Open era — and hadn't been on the losing end since the French Open in 2023. She hadn't lost in straight sets at a Slam since the US Open six years ago.

And, not to mention, especially with the early exits of defending champion Iga Swiatek and 2022 champion and world No. 2 Elena Rybakina, Sabalenka was the overwhelming favorite to claim the title and secure her first non-hard-court Slam trophy.

Osaka, while also a four-time major champion, was playing in the fourth round at Wimbledon for the first time, and she had never recorded a win on Centre Court, nor had she ever defeated a top-10 player at a non-hard-court tournament.

But none of that mattered. Osaka, a vision of serenity throughout the tightest of moments, remained focused. And moments later, she secured the 6-2, 7-6 (2) win and her place in the quarterfinals. Osaka, 28, jumped in celebration — her first sign of emotion for much of the day — and those in the stands jumped to their feet with her.

«It's been a long time since I've had so much fun on the court and to do it here it really means