Osaka Stuns No.1 Seed Sabalenka, Ends Tiebreak Streak

upset shakes top‑seed confidence

Naomi Osaka delivered a shocking victory over Aryna Sabalenka, who entered the tournament as the overall No. 1 seed. The win marks a major upset in the women’s singles draw and raises questions about Sabalenka’s title hopes. Osaka’s aggressive play from the opening rally set the tone for the entire match.

The first set was a one‑sided affair, with Osaka thumping Sabalenka 6‑2. Her relentless baseline pressure and precise shot selection left the top seed scrambled throughout. By the time the second set began, the momentum had clearly shifted in Osaka’s favor.

Sabalenka fought back in the second set, turning it into a tight contest that required a tiebreaker. The tiebreak proved historic, as Osaka clinched it 7‑2, ending Sabalenka’s remarkable run. The Belarusian had won 21 consecutive Grand Slam tiebreakers before this defeat, a streak that now comes to an abrupt halt.

With the tiebreak secured, Osaka advanced with an overall set score of 7‑6. The result not only showcases Osaka’s resurgence but also signals a potential shift in the tournament’s competitive landscape. Going forward, Sabalenka will need to address the tiebreak woes that derailed her record‑breaking run.