Naomi Osaka finally conquered Aryna Sabalenka on 18 June, winning their fourth career meeting at the Berlin Ladies Open. Now the four-time Grand Slam champion has her sights set on a first Wimbledon title.

Osaka had lost all three previous matches against the world No. 2. But on the grass of Berlin, she broke through with a 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(3) victory. It was a statement win for the Japanese star.

What happened in Berlin?

Osaka and Sabalenka met in the second round of the Berlin Ladies Open. The match lasted two hours and 14 minutes. Osaka saved three match points in the third set before clinching the tiebreak.

It was Osaka's first win over a top-5 player since 2022. She served 12 aces and won 78% of her first-serve points. The victory pushed her into the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 event.

Why this matters for Naomi Osaka

Osaka has struggled on grass throughout her career. Her best Wimbledon result is a third-round appearance in 2017 and 2018. She has never made the second week at the All England Club.

But this win changes things. Beating Sabalenka — a two-time Australian Open champion and one of the best players on any surface — shows Osaka can compete with the elite on grass. Her power game translates well to the low-bouncing surface.

Osaka's ranking has slipped outside the top 100 after taking time off for the birth of her daughter Shai in 2023. But she's climbing back. This result will push her closer to a Wimbledon seeding.

What comes next for Osaka?

Osaka faces a tough path to her first Wimbledon title. The draw will be revealed on 24 June. If she's unseeded, she could meet a top seed in the early rounds.

But her confidence is growing. She's working with coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who helped Serena Williams reach multiple Grand Slam finals late in her career. The partnership seems to be clicking.

Osaka said after the Sabalenka match: "I just kept believing. Grass is tricky, but I love the challenge." She'll need that belief to go deep at Wimbledon.

The tournament starts on 1 July. Osaka will be one of the most dangerous floaters in the draw. If she serves like she did in Berlin, anything is possible.

Can she really win Wimbledon?

It's a long shot. Grass is still her weakest surface. Players like Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and Ons Jabeur have more experience on it.

But Osaka has something she lacked before: a big win on grass. That mental breakthrough matters. She's beaten Sabalenka. Now she knows she can beat anyone.

Her first Wimbledon title would be a remarkable story. A mother returning from maternity leave to win on the surface that once defeated her. It's the kind of narrative tennis loves.

For now, Osaka is just focused on the next match. The Sabalenka win is in the past. Wimbledon is the goal.