Naomi Osaka's Wimbledon journey ends early against Pavlyuchenkova

In London, Naomi Osaka faced off against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the third round of Wimbledon on July 4, 2025. This match marked a significant moment in Osaka's career as she aimed to advance beyond the third round for the first time at this prestigious tournament. After initially leading in the first set, Osaka struggled to maintain her momentum and ultimately lost the match with scores of 3-6, 6-4, and 6-4. The match not only showcased her current form — ranked 50th globally — but also highlighted the challenges she has faced in recent years, including mental health issues, injury, and pregnancy, which caused her to miss the tournament in three consecutive years before returning in 2025. Throughout the match, Osaka exhibited visible frustration, particularly during the decisive moments when she failed to convert break points and was broken early in the final set. Pavlyuchenkova, who celebrated her 34th birthday the day before, capitalized on Osaka's errors to clinch her spot in the fourth round, a remarkable achievement given her previous quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon nine years prior. The match concluded with Pavlyuchenkova expressing her appreciation for the support Osaka received from the crowd, while emphasizing her own resilience on the court. Osaka's early exit from Wimbledon raises questions about her future in the sport after making a much-anticipated return.