By Richard Pagliaro Sunday, March 8, 2026
Image source: BNP Paribas Open Facebook
INDIAN WELLS — When top players collide at the 2018 U.S. Open, Naomi Osaka Walking off the field with victory Alina Sabalenka and a strong premonition.
Her epiphany proved prophetic shortly after her 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 victory over No. 26 seed Sabalenka at Flushing Meadows in Osaka.
“I do remember that just because I feel like that was the toughest game for me in that game,
I remember thinking, we’re all going to go very far,” Osaka told Tennis Now’s Chris Oddo at the BNP Paribas Open press conference today. “So, yeah, obviously I was right. But yeah, no, it’s definitely a very tough game. It’s so cool to see how far we both have come. “
Osaka won her first consecutive Grand Slam title at the 2018 U.S. Open, defeating Madison Keys 6-2, 6-4 in the semifinals and her hero Serena Williams in the final.
Today, Osaka defeated Camila Osorio 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, and four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka will have a rematch in the round of 16.
Previously, Sabalenka defeated Jacqueline Christian 6-4, 6-1 to reach the top 16.
The former world number one said that she is full of fighting spirit facing the defending world number one Sabalenka.
“I mean, to me, it’s really exciting. I look at her and I don’t want to say ‘growth over the years,'” Osaka said. “Because I think she’s just a little bit younger than me, I feel like an old person, but, yeah, I’ve watched her grow over the years.”
“Obviously she’s very consistent and she’s the No. 1 player in the world, which is very motivating for me. I’m excited to play against her and really looking forward to it.”
Osaka, who was wearing a Lakers jersey during the postgame press conference, found her groove today in a frustrating second set, at one point throwing her Yonex bat onto the court.
After regaining control, Osaka used a forehand to avenge her 6-4, 6-4 first-round loss to Osorio in 2025 at Indian Wells.
The forehand and first shot will be crucial against Sabalenka, who is 13-1 on the season heading into a fourth-round rematch against Osaka.
When asked how she assessed the rematch, Sabalenka said the battle between Nike’s elite players would be about style, firepower and a chance to avenge a loss at Flushing Meadows eight years ago.
“Well, it was definitely a fashion show at first. Then it was a crazy game,” Sabalenka said. “She’s a great player. Came back from pregnancy. Incredible shape. I’ve been watching her games and really admire her.
“Oh, maybe I’ll get a chance for revenge, hopefully. I’d like to play her.”
