Osaka on Sabalenka Showdown: Very Motivating

By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, March 8, 2026
Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open Facebook

INDIAN WELLS—When premier power players collided at the 2018 US Open, Naomi Osaka walked off the court armed with victory over Aryna Sabalenka and a potent premonition.

Moments after her 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 triumph over the 26th-seeded Sabalenka in Flushing Meadows, Osaka had an epiphany that proved prophetic.

“I do remember it just because I felt like in that tournament, that was the hardest match for me,
and I remember thinking, like, we’re both going to get very far,” Osaka told Tennis Now’s Chris Oddo in her BNP Paribas Open presser today. “So, yeah, obviously I was right. But yeah, no, it was definitely a really difficult match. It’s really cool to see how far we both have come.”

Osaka went on to capture her maiden major championship at that 2018 US Open scoring successive imposing 6-2, 6-4 wins over Madison Keys in the semifinals and her hero, Serena Williams in the final.

Today, Osaka beat Camila Osorio, 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 to set up a blockbuster round of 16 rematch of four-time major champion vs. Sabalenka.

Earlier, Sabalenka stomped Jaqueline Cristian 6-4, 6-1 to storm into the round of 16.

The former No. 1 says she’s fired up to face reigning No. 1 Sabalenka.

“I mean, for me, it’s really exciting. I have watched her, I don’t want to say “grow over the years,” Osaka said. “Cecause I think she’s only a little bit younger than me and I feel like an old person, but yeah, I have watched her grow over the years.

“Obviously she’s so consistent, she’s the No. 1 player in the world and it’s, for me, very motivating. I’m excited to play her, and I’m looking forward to it a lot.”

Sporting a Lakers jersey in her post-match presser, Osaka found her groove today after a frustrating second set that saw her toss her Yonex stick to the court at one point.

Regaining control, Osaka hit her forehand drive down the line with vigor in avenging her 6-4, 6-4 loss to Osorio in the 2025 Indian Wells opening round.

That forehand down the line and the first strike will be crucial against Sabalenka, who carries a 13-1 record on the season into the fourth round rematch vs. Osaka.

Asked to assess the rematch, Sabalenka said the battle between Nike power players shapes up as fashion, fire and the opportunity to enact revenge for her Flushing Meadows loss eight years ago.

“Well, it would be for sure a fashion show at the beginning. Then a crazy match,” Sabalenka said. “She’s a great player. Came back after pregnancy. Incredible shape. I have been watching her matches, really admire her.

“Oh, probably I’ll have a chance to get a revenge, hopefully. I would like to play her.”