“I just want to go get completely drunk”: Aryna Sabalenka's brutally honest reaction after Naomi Osaka upset

Sunday, 05 July 2026 at 22:00

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Aryna Sabalenka's Wimbledon campaign came to an abrupt end on Sunday, but it was her brutally honest post-match reaction that quickly became one of the tournament's biggest talking points. Minutes after suffering a straight-sets defeat to Naomi Osaka, the world No. 1 admitted she wanted to put tennis behind her—at least temporarily.

Sabalenka was beaten 6-2, 7-6(2) by Osaka, who produced one of the finest performances of her comeback to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time. The Japanese star had lost all three of their previous meetings in 2026, but this time out-served, out-hit and consistently outmanoeuvred the Belarusian on Centre Court.

The defeat ended several impressive streaks. Sabalenka had not dropped a set throughout the tournament, having defeated Tereza Kostovic, McCartney Kessler and Jelena Ostapenko on her way to the fourth round. It also marked her earliest Grand Slam exit since Roland Garros 2022 and the first time she has lost a major match in straight sets in 122 Grand Slam contests.

Osaka, meanwhile, advances to her maiden Wimbledon quarter-final after also reaching the second week of Roland Garros for the first time last month, continuing a remarkable resurgence that now includes victories over the current world No. 1 and four-time major champion.

“I just want to go get completely drunk”

Sabalenka arrived in the press conference almost immediately after leaving Centre Court, just as she did following her painful defeat to Coco Gauff in the 2025 Roland Garros final. Asked whether she still felt like the world's best player, the Belarusian separated the rankings from her performance.

"Ah, this question guys. Let's just look at the rankings. By now I am world No. 1. Level-wise today I wasn't world No. 1," Aryan Sabalenka said. "Yesterday I was world No. 1. I feel like I just... I don't even want to think about ranking at this point. I just want to go get completely drunk, forget about tennis, and try to get in better shape."

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates following her victory over Teodora Kostovic of Serbia during the Ladies' Singles on day one of the 2026 Wimbledon

The answer immediately became one of the defining moments of her media session, reflecting the disappointment of a player whose Wimbledon campaign had appeared to be building momentum. Rather than focusing on rankings or long-term implications, Sabalenka made clear her immediate priority was simply to disconnect after a difficult afternoon.

Earlier in the session, she admitted there was little emotion left immediately after the loss, while also acknowledging that she handled the disappointment more constructively than she might have done in previous seasons.

"No emotions. Just know that I can handle myself much better than last year. So obviously, guys, if you were expecting something really fun, it's not going to happen. Probably just going to be short answers. I messed it up this year. Next year I'll try a little bit better."

“Today wasn't my day at all”

The match itself never fully settled into Sabalenka's rhythm. Osaka dictated play from the opening games, serving brilliantly and taking the initiative in baseline exchanges. Although Sabalenka forced a second-set tiebreak, she was unable to reverse the momentum.

Immediately after match point, television cameras missed one final moment of frustration as Sabalenka launched a ball high into the air before leaving the court.

During her press conference, she explained that she had actually restrained herself throughout much of the contest. "I cannot be satisfied with anything today. But I have to say there were a couple of times where I could have completely lost it. But I was respectful to the grass and to the next players who are going to play there. So I held myself really well."

Asked whether she had sensed problems before the match even began, Sabalenka rejected that idea entirely, insisting she felt fine during the warm-up but never managed to find solutions once play started.

"No, not at all. It's just like first points of the match I was struggling a little bit. I was trying to change my racket, adjust my swings. I honestly tried everything I could today. It seems like it wasn't my day at all."

While Osaka moves on with confidence after arguably her biggest victory since returning to the tour, Sabalenka leaves Wimbledon facing her earliest major exit in more than four years. Despite remaining atop the rankings, the Belarusian was unequivocal in her assessment of Sunday's performance: the world No. 1 ranking remained hers, but, in her own words, "today I wasn't world No. 1."

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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