Naomi Osaka nadmašuje broj 1 Aryna Sabalenku i ulazi u četvrtfinale na Wimbledonu

Novak Djokovic etched his name further into the annals of Wimbledon history as he surpassed the legendary Roger Federer’s record for most men’s singles match wins at the prestigious British Grand Slam. The 39-year-old Serbian icon claimed a hard-fought 7-6 (8/6), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin in the fourth round, bringing his total to 106 wins—a figure that now places him second behind Martina Navratilova’s 120 victories across both men’s and women’s events. Djokovic, already a seven-time Wimbledon champion, advanced to his 17th quarterfinal at the tournament and his ninth consecutive appearance in the last eight. His path to the semifinals remains intact, with a potential clash against defending champion Jannik Sinner looming. Sinner, having defeated Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki in straight sets, is set to face German veteran Jan-Lennard Struff in the last eight. Djokovic, despite showing signs of fatigue after dropping two sets early in the tournament, maintained his composure and resilience, echoing his philosophy of “surviving to thrive.” He emphasized the mental discipline required to succeed on such a high stage, noting that staying focused in the present is crucial for victory.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Naomi Osaka delivered a stunning upset, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set battle on Centre Court. Osaka, who had suffered a straight-sets loss to Sabalenka in the French Open last month, exacted revenge with a commanding 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) victory. This marked Osaka’s first-ever Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance, a milestone that came five years after her last Grand Slam triumph at the Australian Open. Throughout her campaign, Osaka has remained unshaken, losing none of her sets in the opening four matches. Her return to form on grass was underscored by her striking fashion choices, including a kimono, a bomber jacket with a long train, and a cloak resembling an open kimono. These bold ensembles became a highlight of her performances, adding to the spectacle of her game. Osaka will now face Czech 10th seed Karolina Muchova, who edged out former Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova in the fourth round. Reflecting on her achievement, Osaka expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to compete on such a storied venue, calling it “a dream come true.”

Sabalenka’s Wimbledon journey came to an end, marking her first premature exit from a Grand Slam tournament since the French Open in 2022. Despite being a formidable contender, she failed to extend her streak of reaching the quarterfinals, ending her hopes of securing a 15th consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance. Sabalenka had previously fallen in the semifinals during her last three visits to Wimbledon and has yet to claim a title at the All England Club. Her defeat by Osaka was a significant setback, especially considering her status as the world’s top-ranked player. The loss also highlights the challenges faced by top-seeded players when encountering the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam tournaments.

Another notable result came from Coco Gauff, who secured a dramatic late-night victory over Belinda Bencic to make her maiden quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon. The 22-year-old American, who had reached the fourth round as a teenager in 2019, finally achieved her breakthrough in her seventh appearance at the tournament. Gauff’s 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over Bencic sets up an intriguing all-American quarterfinal against fourth seed Jessica Pegula. Gauff’s perseverance and growth throughout her career have positioned her as a rising force in women’s tennis, and her success at Wimbledon underscores her potential to become a consistent contender in the sport’s elite circles.

As the tournament progresses, the stage is set for more historic moments, with Djokovic poised to chase his 25th Grand Slam singles title and potentially equal Federer’s record for Wimbledon titles. Meanwhile, Osaka’s resurgence continues, offering a glimpse of her enduring talent and adaptability. The competition promises to deliver thrilling matches, showcasing the depth of talent and the unpredictability that define the grandest stages of professional tennis.