Aryna Sabalenka booed by Wimbledon fans before vowing to get drunk after shock defeat

Jul 5, 2026 - 23:01
Aryna Sabalenka booed by Wimbledon fans before vowing to get drunk after shock defeat

Aryna Sabalenka’s quest for a first Wimbledon crown is over having been dumped out by Naomi Osaka in the fourth round.

And the world no.1 was met by boos from fans inside Centre Court immediately after she lost 6-2 7-6 on Sunday.

Aryna Sabalenka during her defeat to Naomi Osaka
Sabalenka is still yet to reach the final at Wimbledon
Getty

The 28-year-old was able to save one match point, but could only hit it against the net when looking to return Osaka’s fiercely-struck forehand.

In frustration and anger, Sabalenka then launched a ball over the Centre Court roof – resulting in a smattering of boos.

Her defeat has seen her dream of reaching a maiden Wimbledon final come to an end.

Wimbledon remains the only Grand Slam that Sabalenka has failed to reach the final in, having been knocked out in the semis on three occasions – the last being in 2025.

The Belarusian’s loss is her earliest Grand Slam exit since losing in the third round at the French Open in 2022.

And it is the first time she has been dumped out in straight sets at a Grand Slam in 122 matches – a run stretching back to the 2020 US Open.

What did Sabalenka say following her defeat?

Sabalenka who was tipped as the favourite to triumph at the All England Club heading into the tournament, had beaten 14th seed Osaka three times in a row in the last four months.

In an X-rated press conference, she said: “No emotions. Just know that I can handle myself much better than last year.

“Obviously, guys, if you were expecting something really fun, not going to happen. Probably just going to be short answers.

”I f***** it up this year. Next year I’ll try to do better.”

Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka react after their Wimbledon meeting
Sabalenka has failed to win a Grand Slam in 2026, with just the US Open left
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Before adding: “I don’t even want to think about rankings at this point.

“I just want to go, get completely drunk, forget about tennis, and try to get in better shape.”

And Sabalenka also declared how she had to restrain herself from smashing her racket into the grass having been outclassed by her four-time Grand Slam-winning opponent.

She remarked: “I cannot be satisfied with anything today.

“But I have to say that there was couple times where I could just completely lose it.

“But I was respectful to the grass and to the next players who is going to play there, so I hold myself really good.”

Naomi Osaka celebrates her win over Arnya Sabalenka
Osaka is into her first Wimbledon quarter-final at the seventh time of asking
Getty

As for Osaka, she is looking forward to her first ever Wimbledon quarter-final as she eyes up a first Grand Slam title since winning the Australian Open in 2021.

Osaka, who will face Karolina Muchova for a place in the last four, revealed her secret to success following the match… her mum’s cooking!

She told BBC’s Annabel Croft: ”My mum cooks a lot.

”And I feel like her cooking is powering me here.

“So mum, I would really appreciate another meal tonight!”

When pressed on what her mum’s signature cuisine is, Osaka stated: “She cooks a bunch of Japanese food.”

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