Aryna Sabalenka out of Wimbledon after losing in straight sets to Naomi Osaka

Aryna Sabalenka is out of Wimbledon after losing in straight sets to Naomi Osaka 6-2, 7-6 (2).

The four-time grand slam champion's victory sent the top seed crashing out before the quarter-final stage of a major for the first time since Roland Garros in 2022.

Sabalenka's remarkable run of 21 consecutive tie-break victories at grand slam level came to an emphatic end as the 28-year-old Japanese star dominated the decider.

The result firmly positions Osaka as a genuine contender for the title at the All England Club.

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Osaka was visibly delighted following one of her finest victories since claiming her last major title in 2021.

She said: "I think it was a really fun match, I'm really grateful.

"For me, this court is so special, this is the first match I've won on this court. It means a lot. My mum's over there and I feel like her cooking is powering me."

The Japanese player acknowledged that recent history had been against her heading into the contest.

"It's been a long time since I've had so much fun on the court. Going into the match, I'd lost to here three times in a row so that really sucked," she added.

Despite having previously described Centre Court as the most intimidating of all grand slam venues, Osaka appeared entirely at ease as she dismantled the top seed.

The Japanese player secured an early break in the third game with a precise backhand winner down the line.

Sabalenka's frustration became increasingly apparent, letting out a loud scream after sending a forehand into the net during the fifth game.

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The world number one was consistently overpowering her shots, with one forehand sailing well beyond the baseline to hand Osaka a 4-1 advantage.

Following the opening set, Sabalenka departed hastily for a bathroom break.

Osaka's serve proved particularly devastating throughout, with Sabalenka unable to make any meaningful inroads against it.

The second set saw the Belarusian battle to remain level, recovering from 0-30 down in the third game and fending off two break points when trailing 2-2.

The tie-break proved entirely one-sided, with the top seed drawing boos from spectators after striking a ball onto the roof in frustration following her final error.

Osaka's four major titles have all come on hard courts, and she has historically found grass and clay challenging surfaces.

This season has marked a turning point, however, with her first fourth-round appearance at the French Open preceding this impressive Wimbledon run.

Sabalenka will retain her world No 1 ranking despite this setback, though her form has been inconsistent since capturing the Indian Wells and Miami titles in spring.

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