Pavlyuchenkova Shocks Naomi Osaka in Stunning Wimbledon Comeback
In a thrilling third-round encounter at Wimbledon on July 4, 2025, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova staged a remarkable comeback to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. After dropping the first set, the Russian veteran battled back to win 3–6, 6–4, 6–4 in a gripping match on No. 2 Court that lasted two hours and three minutes. The victory propels Pavlyuchenkova into the fourth round of the prestigious tournament for the first time in nine years, marking a significant moment in her career. For Osaka, it’s another disappointing exit at the All England Club, as the third round continues to be her stumbling block.
The match began with Osaka looking every bit the formidable champion she is, dominating the first set with powerful serves and aggressive play. However, the narrative shifted dramatically as Pavlyuchenkova found her rhythm, turning the tide with her experience and mental fortitude in a contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
A Tale of Three Sets: How the Match Unfolded
The clash between the two unseeded players promised excitement, and it delivered from the very first point.
- Osaka’s Dominant Start: Japan’s Naomi Osaka came out firing, taking control of the opening set with her signature powerful groundstrokes and a formidable serve that produced 15 aces throughout the match78. She appeared comfortable and in command, quickly securing the first set 6-3 and looking poised to finally break her third-round curse at Wimbledon.
- The Turning Point: The second set saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Pavlyuchenkova began to find her range, using deep, flat groundstrokes to push Osaka behind the baseline and disrupt her rhythm. Despite Osaka charging back from a 3-0 deficit to level the set at 4-4, Pavlyuchenkova held her nerve. She sealed the set 6-4 with a blistering forehand winner, leveling the match and setting the stage for a tense decider.
- A Decisive Final Set: The final set mirrored the second in its intensity. Pavlyuchenkova surged to an early 3-0 lead as Osaka’s unforced errors began to mount. True to her fighting spirit, Osaka clawed her way back to tie the set at 4-4. However, Pavlyuchenkova’s mental toughness shone through in the critical final moments. She won eight of the match’s last ten points, holding her serve to love and then breaking Osaka in the final game to clinch the stunning victory
Pavlyuchenkova’s perfect record at the net and her ability to convert break points at crucial times were instrumental in her victory
A Historic Win for Pavlyuchenkova
This victory is a significant achievement for the 34-year-old Russian, who reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 2016. Her return to the last 16 after nine years equals the Open Era record for the longest gap between fourth-round appearances in the women’s singles, a record held by Pam Teeguarden (1972-1981).
In her post-match interview, Pavlyuchenkova acknowledged the crowd’s support for her opponent but said it only fueled her performance. “A majority of you were cheering for Naomi, but that’s OK,” she told the crowd at Court No. 2. “I’m mentally tough, so that didn’t bother me at all. The opposite: It gave me energy”. Her performance was a testament to her experience and resilience, securing her 91st career win at a Grand Slam
Another Wimbledon Disappointment for Osaka
For Naomi Osaka, the loss is a tough pill to swallow. Despite showing flashes of her best form and looking more comfortable on grass, her quest to reach the second week of Wimbledon for the first time remains unfulfilled. This was her third appearance in the third round, having also reached this stage in 2017 and 2018.
The four-time major champion, all of whose titles have come on hard courts, has been on a comeback trail after taking time off for maternity leave. While this tournament showed promise, her inability to maintain consistency against a determined opponent highlighted the challenges she still faces in translating her hard-court dominance to grass. The loss prevents a potential rise back toward the top 50 in the rankings and a possible seeding at the upcoming US Open.
What’s Next at Wimbledon?
Looking ahead, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova’s journey at the All England Club continues. She will now face the winner of the match between Diane Parry and Sonay Kartal for a place in the quarterfinals. With her confidence soaring after such a significant win, she could be a dangerous opponent as the tournament progresses. As Day 5 of Wimbledon concluded, the women’s draw was blown wide open by this incredible upset, proving once again that anything can happen on the hallowed grass courts.