Wimbledon 2025: Naomi Osaka Falls in Third Round to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Three-Set Battle

Naomi Osaka’s most promising Wimbledon run in years came to a halt on Friday, as she was ousted in the third round by Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in a tightly contested three-set match.

🔥 A Blazing Start for Osaka

Osaka looked sharp early, cruising through the first set 6-3 with her trademark power on full display. She unleashed a staggering 15 aces in the match and kept unforced errors to a minimum, showing signs of the form that once made her a Grand Slam champion.

🎯 Pavlyuchenkova’s Net Play Seals the Deal

But Pavlyuchenkova, ever the competitor, turned the tide with impeccable net play. She went an impressive 13 for 13 on net points, using that consistency to win the next two sets 6-4, 6-4, and punch her ticket to the fourth round—only the second time in her career she's reached this stage at Wimbledon. Her previous best came in 2016, when she made it to the quarterfinals before falling to Serena Williams.

🏆 Wimbledon Still a Hurdle for Osaka

Though Osaka boasts four Grand Slam titles—two Australian Opens and two US Opens—Wimbledon has remained her Achilles’ heel. Despite her decorated past, she’s never progressed beyond the third round at the All England Club.

Friday’s loss extended that streak, but it also showed promise. Her dominant serve and composed gameplay were encouraging signs that she may be inching back toward top form after a prolonged slump following her 2021 Australian Open victory.

🗣️ What’s Next for Osaka?

While the loss will sting, Friday’s performance hinted at a resurgence. If Osaka can harness her serve and continue to rebuild confidence, fans may soon witness her return to the elite tier of women’s tennis.