Aryna Sabalenka prepares Naomi Osaka’s blockbuster, Jannik Sinner enters the 4th round

World number one Aryna Sabalenka continued her quest for a first Wimbledon title with a clinical 6-4, 6-4 victory over Jelena Ostapenko to reach the fourth round at the All England Club on Friday. Belarus put on another balanced display, matching Ostapenko’s strength from the baseline and taking advantage of Latvia’s unforced errors at crucial moments.

Sabalenko, now back into week two at Wimbledon, never allowed her opponent to dictate the game for long and sealed the match in straight sets. The win sets up one of the marquee clashes of the tournament against four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

Wimbledon 2026 Update on 5

The Japanese star reached the fourth round of Wimbledon for the first time in her career after beating Daria Kasatkina 6-1, 6-3. This blockbuster encounter will be a rematch of their memorable encounter at the French Open earlier this season and promises to be another quality battle between the two biggest hits on the WTA Tour.

Chasing her fifth Grand Slam title and first at SW19, Sabalenkova looks increasingly comfortable on grass as she looks to end her run of three consecutive Wimbledon semi-final appearances without lifting the trophy.

THE SINNER RAISES HIS LEVEL

Defending champion Jannik Sinner also booked a place in the fourth round with an impressive 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over American Jenson Brooksby. After being pushed hard in his opening two matches, the world number one produced his most convincing performance of the tournament, hitting the ball cleanly from both wings and dominating his serve.

Brooksby tried to disrupt the Italian’s rhythm with his variety and defensive skills, but Sinner remained composed throughout the two-hour contest. A notable feature of Sinner’s performance was his willingness to go forward. Mixing serve and volley tactics, the Italian won every point he played at the net during the second set, underscoring his growing confidence on grass.

Although he momentarily stumbled while serving for the match in the third set, Sinner quickly regained control to complete another straight win.

Afterwards, the 24-year-old described it as a “small step forward” as he continues to build momentum in his title defence.

Sinner will next face Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki in the round of 16, where he will start as the overwhelming favorite to advance to the quarterfinals.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

04 Jul 2026 0:01 IST