By Richard Pagliaro Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Image source: BNP Paribas Open Facebook
Indian Wells—Alina Sabalenka Bringing sound and fury to the courtroom.
The four-time major champion’s striking shots are often amplified by loud grunts.
After Sabalenka was fired Naomi Osaka Today, former world number one Naomi Osaka, who advanced 6-2, 6-4 into the quarter-finals of Indian Wells, shared how the Belarusian effectively uses her voice as an excuse, with amplified grunts to hint at powerful hits that don’t always happen.
“It definitely feels like the first time playing her,” said Osaka, who defeated Sabalenka in their only meeting in the fourth round of the 2018 U.S. Open. “I thought, obviously I could watch her on TV or
Anyway, but actually, it’s very different. “
Osaka acknowledged that Sabalenka’s sound effects were effective.
“I also felt like I was a little unprepared at times because I expected the ball to come harder and then it didn’t. She made the same grunt for every ball,” Osaka said. “I was like, Oh my God, she cheated on me (smiles).
“No, it’s been a cool learning experience. I know we haven’t played in a long time, so I hope we can play again soon.”
Sabalenka, who improved her 2026 record to 14-1, served 75 percent of the time and hit eight aces without a double fault, said her versatility was key. Sabalenka sometimes attacks the net and sometimes changes the shape of her shots.
I “tried to change the rhythm and make sure the ball came back to her at a different height and speed,” Sabalenka said. “So I think that’s the key to the game.”
Sabalenka, a two-time Indian Wells finalist, said she believed the match was a precursor to more confrontations between two top quality players.
“This is crazy [that this was our second meeting]. Can you believe in all these years of touring we’ve only played once? But I think I started doing better when she got pregnant.
“I think that’s why we haven’t had a lot of opportunities to face each other, and I feel like, for sure, we’re going to have a lot more opportunities to face each other.”
Sabalenka also expressed sympathy for Osaka’s return to management company IMG, although she questioned whether it was a wise move.
“I just feel bad that she switched from Evolve back to IMG,” Sabalenka said, seemingly sarcastically. “I don’t think it was a wise decision.
“I’m happy, I’m very happy, and now they’re like you said, balancing it out between me and Naomi, and now I’m getting the majority of the minutes. I’m happy with that.”
Osaka took the top seed’s management advice in stride.
“Was she laughing when she said that?” Osaka asked. “Look, we’re two different people, of course. I think her experience is different than mine, and you know, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“For me, I’ve always loved IMG. The treatment there was very good and the people there were very nice to me. I would recommend IMG to people. I don’t think she would.”
