Aryna sabalenka triumphs over Naomi Osaka at Indian Wells

By Ananya Rao / 11.03.2026

Aryna Sabalenka’s Recent Victory

Aryna Sabalenka recently faced Naomi Osaka at Indian Wells, marking a significant moment in both players’ careers. This match was their first encounter since Osaka’s victory over Sabalenka in the 2018 US Open. Sabalenka, currently ranked world number one, won decisively with a score of 6-2, 6-4.

The match lasted 80 minutes, during which Sabalenka demonstrated her dominance on the court. After the match, she expressed her thoughts, stating, “It’s crazy, for so many years we only played once I’m pretty sure we are playing many more matches she’s coming back playing great tennis.”

Osaka, who is ranked 16th in the world, made her return to competitive tennis after a 14-month hiatus due to the birth of her daughter. Despite the loss, Sabalenka praised her opponent, saying, “She’s a great player. Came back after pregnancy. Incredible shape. I have been watching her matches, really admire her.”

Sabalenka’s performance was marked by her ability to apply pressure on Osaka, as she noted, “I’m happy that I put so much pressure on her today, that I brought variety to the court.” This victory is particularly significant for Sabalenka, who was the runner-up at Indian Wells last year.

Looking ahead, Sabalenka is set to face either Victoria Mboko or Amanda Anisimova in the quarter-finals, as she continues her pursuit of the title at this prestigious tournament. Observers are keen to see how she will perform against her next opponent, especially given her current form and confidence.