By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, March 8, 2026
Photograph credit score: BNP Paribas Open Fb
INDIAN WELLS—When premier energy gamers collided on the 2018 US Open, Naomi Osaka walked off the court docket armed with victory over Aryna Sabalenka and a potent premonition.
Moments after her 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 overcome the Twenty sixth-seeded Sabalenka in Flushing Meadows, Osaka had an epiphany that proved prophetic.
“I do keep in mind it simply because I felt like in that event, that was the toughest match for me,
and I keep in mind considering, like, we’re each going to get very far,” Osaka instructed Tennis Now’s Chris Oddo in her BNP Paribas Open presser immediately. “So, yeah, clearly I used to be proper. However yeah, no, it was undoubtedly a extremely tough match. It’s actually cool to see how far we each have come.”
Osaka went on to seize her maiden main championship at that 2018 US Open scoring successive imposing 6-2, 6-4 wins over Madison Keys within the semifinals and her hero, Serena Williams within the last.
At the moment, Osaka beat Camila Osorio, 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 to arrange a blockbuster spherical of 16 rematch of four-time main champion vs. Sabalenka.
Earlier, Sabalenka stomped Jaqueline Cristian 6-4, 6-1 to storm into the spherical of 16.
The previous No. 1 says she’s fired as much as face reigning No. 1 Sabalenka.
“I imply, for me, it’s actually thrilling. I’ve watched her, I don’t wish to say “develop through the years,” Osaka stated. “Cecause I believe she’s solely slightly bit youthful than me and I really feel like an previous individual, however yeah, I’ve watched her develop through the years.
“Clearly she’s so constant, she’s the No. 1 participant on the earth and it’s, for me, very motivating. I’m excited to play her, and I’m trying ahead to it rather a lot.”
Sporting a Lakers jersey in her post-match presser, Osaka discovered her groove immediately after a irritating second set that noticed her toss her Yonex follow the court docket at one level.
Regaining management, Osaka hit her forehand drive down the road with vigor in avenging her 6-4, 6-4 loss to Osorio within the 2025 Indian Wells opening spherical.
That forehand down the road and the primary strike might be essential in opposition to Sabalenka, who carries a 13-1 report on the season into the fourth spherical rematch vs. Osaka.
Requested to evaluate the rematch, Sabalenka stated the battle between Nike energy gamers shapes up as vogue, hearth and the chance to enact revenge for her Flushing Meadows loss eight years in the past.
“Properly, it could be for positive a vogue present at first. Then a loopy match,” Sabalenka stated. “She’s an ideal participant. Got here again after being pregnant. Unimaginable form. I’ve been watching her matches, actually admire her.
“Oh, in all probability I’ll have an opportunity to get a revenge, hopefully. I want to play her.”
