Picture credit score: Rob Stone/@RobStoneTennis
INDIAN WELLS—When premier energy gamers collided on the 2018 US Open, Naomi Osaka walked off the courtroom armed with victory over Aryna Sabalenka and a potent premonition.
Moments after her 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 conquer 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 mentioned in her BNP Paribas Open presser right this moment. “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 ultimate.
Right now, 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.
he former 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 over time,” Osaka mentioned. “Cecause I feel she’s solely a bit of bit youthful than me and I really feel like an previous particular person, however yeah, I’ve watched her develop over time.
“Clearly she’s so constant, she’s the No. 1 participant on the planet and it’s, for me, very motivating. I’m excited to play her, and I’m trying ahead to it lots.”
Sporting a Lakers jersey in her post-match presser, Osaka discovered her groove right this moment after a irritating second set that noticed her toss her Yonex stick with the courtroom 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 towards Sabalenka, who carries a 13-1 report on the season into the fourth spherical rematch vs. Osaka.
Requested to evaluate the rematch, Sabalenka mentioned the battle between Nike energy gamers shapes up as vogue, fireplace and the chance to enact revenge for her Flushing Meadows loss eight years in the past.
“Effectively, it will be for positive a vogue present at first. Then a loopy match,” Sabalenka mentioned. “She’s an awesome participant. Got here again after being pregnant. Unimaginable form. I’ve been watching her matches, actually admire her.
“Oh, most likely I’ll have an opportunity to get a revenge, hopefully. I want to play her.”
