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Sabalenka to meet Osaka in Wimbledon fourth round after citing Nadal inspiration
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

Sabalenka to meet Osaka in Wimbledon fourth round after citing Nadal inspiration

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jelena Ostapenko 6-4, 6-4 to reach the Wimbledon fourth round.
  • Sabalenka will face Naomi Osaka in their first grass-court meeting, with the Belarusian having won their previous three encounters this year.
  • Sabalenka cited Rafael Nadal's documentary for inspiration, focusing on his advice about controlling one's approach and motivation.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the Wimbledon fourth round after defeating Jelena Ostapenko 6-4, 6-4 in a match lasting one and a half hours. The Belarusian, who is seeking her first London title, will now face Japan's Naomi Osaka in their fifth career meeting, but their first on grass.

Sabalenka has reached the fourth round in her last eight Grand Slam events, a streak she shares with Iga Swiatek. This year, Sabalenka has won all three previous matches against Osaka. Her victory over Ostapenko was aided by nine aces and a 66% success rate on her first serve, as she broke Ostapenko's serve four times out of eleven opportunities.

I saw it and I got emotional, I had goosebumps during the whole series. There are so many things you can learn from Nadal. One of the best phrases he said was ‘the only thing you can control is your approach and motivation.’ It has been in my head ever since. It really helped me when things are not going well to stay focused and motivated. I don't know if he is watching it, probably not. But thank you. Thank you for your series. It is inspiring.

— Aryna SabalenkaSabalenka explained the inspiration she drew from Rafael Nadal's documentary.

The top-ranked player reaffirmed her favorite status for the title. She also spoke about the influence of Rafael Nadal's documentary, stating it provided her with inspiration and focus. "There are so many things you can learn from Nadal. One of the best phrases he said was ‘the only thing you can control is your approach and motivation.’ It has been in my head ever since," Sabalenka shared.

Looking ahead to her match against Osaka, Sabalenka acknowledged her opponent's aggressive style. "She is another aggressive player. Another very intense match. I am ready to give my all. I am ready to fight and do everything necessary to advance," she said. Osaka, a former world number one, secured her spot in the fourth round by defeating Daria Kastakina 6-1, 6-3.

She is another aggressive player. Another very intense match. I am ready to give my all. I am ready to fight and do everything necessary to advance.

— Aryna SabalenkaSabalenka discussed her upcoming match against Naomi Osaka.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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