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Osaka Advances at Wimbledon

BBC Sport •
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Naomi Osaka delivered a commanding performance at Wimbledon, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals. This victory marks a significant milestone in Osaka's return to tennis after maternity leave, showcasing a level of play reminiscent of her dominant years. Osaka attributed her resurgence to a combination of factors, including her coaching team, a renewed mindset, and notably, her mother's cooking.

Osaka has openly discussed her struggles with pressure and mental health, including a period of absence and her return following childbirth. Her performance against Sabalenka, marked by 21 winners and an impressive 87% success rate on her first serve, demonstrated a newfound control and freedom on the court. This win propels her into a quarter-final match against Karolina Muchova.

The positive trajectory for Osaka is underscored by her improved ranking and fitness, a stark contrast to her struggles just last year. Her ability to match Sabalenka's power while maintaining composure suggests a deeper integration of her game and life, as she prioritizes enjoying her tennis career while balancing it with her family.