Naomi Osaka Exits Wimbledon Third Round Again Amid Ranking Slide

Naomi Osaka was defeated in the third round of Wimbledon by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in a closely contested match, losing 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, missing her chance to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon for the first time. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has struggled on grass courts throughout her career and has not advanced beyond the third round at Wimbledon despite multiple attempts; she is currently ranked 53rd in the WTA. Since winning the Australian Open in 2021, Osaka has experienced a challenging period marked by a 12-tournament streak without reaching a Grand Slam fourth round, compounded by her 15-month sabbatical due to maternity and mental health breaks. The match highlighted Osaka’s ongoing difficulties balancing competitive tennis with her personal life, including her recent return after giving birth in July 2023. After the match, Osaka showed visible frustration and admitted to contemplating life beyond tennis but affirmed her desire to continue pursuing her goals despite setbacks. Critics noted her tendency to engage in post-match interviews immediately after losses, which can exacerbate the emotional toll of defeats.