Sabalenka opens up after falling at Wimbledon: "I was about to lose it"

Pedro de Pablos | 5 Jul 2026 | 20.44

Sabalenka is sincere after falling at Wimbledon: "I was about to lose my cool." Source: Getty Images.

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Aryna Sabalenka has suffered one of the toughest defeats of the season in the round of 16 at Wimbledon 2026 against Naomi Osaka, who barely gave her a chance and delivered a hard blow that challenges her reign in the WTA rankings. In a press conference, the Belarusian tennis player praised her opponent's game and revealed that she was on the verge of losing her cool during the match.

It had been 6 years since Sabalenka lost in straight sets at a Grand Slam, but the truth is that Osaka was close to perfection both on serve and return to completely dismantle Aryna's game, who already had doubts coming into Wimbledon. She has suffered two very tough defeats earlier than expected at Roland Garros and at the All England Club, and judging by her press conference, she seems mentally quite affected by the situation she is experiencing.

Sabalenka praises the level displayed by Osaka

Obviously, I'm not happy with my game, but yes, she surpassed me. I felt her level was incredible. I did my best. Well, unfortunately not this year. I didn't play at my best, and she probably did. Sometimes it happens. Sometimes you can step on the court, give it your all, and still lose the match. Obviously, I'm not thrilled. Congratulations to Naomi. I wish her the best.

Sabalenka talks about her emotions after the defeat

No emotions (smiling). Just know that I can handle things way better than last year. Obviously, guys, if you were expecting something really fun, it's not going to happen. There will probably only be short answers. This year I messed up. Next year I'll try to do better.

Did you manage to control your nerves during the match?

Today I can't be satisfied with anything, but I have to say, there were a couple of moments where I was on the verge of losing it completely. But I was respectful to the grass and to the next players who were going to play there, so I behaved quite well.

Osaka playing more powerfully than her

It was strange. No, honestly, I think if I could have played a bit better, I would have felt really bad today; besides, she was at her best. With each match we played, I felt worse, she better. She was just finding her shots freely. I wasn't. I think yes, maybe next time I should change something in the preparation, or my strategy should be a bit different from this match. Honestly, I feel like I did everything I could with what I had today, and she got the win. Well done. I wish her the best of luck once again.

Troubles with her forehand today

Honestly, I feel like today I didn't measure up. I did the best I could. I tried to adapt as best as possible. Honestly, I feel like I left it all out there today. I don't know. For some reason, I wasn't up to par. It was as if I was too strong, maybe I let myself get carried away by emotions a couple of times, but I tried to stay in control. Yes, I feel like sometimes there are days like that. All that's left to say is "congratulations" and walk away.

Sabalenka reveals if she feels like the number 1 today

Oh, this question, guys! I mean, look at the ranking. Right now, I'm the number 1 in the world. As for level, I wasn't today. Yesterday I was. I feel, you know, I don't even want to think about the ranking right now. I just want to go, get totally drunk, forget about tennis, and try to get in better shape (smiling).

Did you realize from the warm-up that it wasn't your day?

No, not at all. At the beginning of the match, I had some difficulties. I tried changing rackets, adjusting my swing. Honestly, I tried everything today. Simply, yes, it wasn't my day.

Feelings before the tiebreak

I don't know. The truth is I wasn't thinking about my record at all. I was just trying to focus point by point. Like I said, what could I do if the other person was serving outstandingly and hitting the lines, taking risks fearlessly? I was the one trying to find my rhythm. Two extremes. I was fighting against myself, she was just going for it. It didn't happen today. Hopefully, it will tomorrow.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka se sincera tras caer en Wimbledon: "Estuve a punto de perder los papeles"

WTA