Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka first met at the 2018 US Open in a clash between two of the most talented young players of the generation. The two played out a highly competitive match, and the Japanese star ultimately won 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 to secure her place in the quarterfinals.
Osaka was emotional after the match, celebrating qualifying for her first Grand Slam quarterfinal. Aged 20, she went on to win the US Open that year for her first Major title.
Naomi Osaka’s Emotional 2018 US Open Victory Over Aryna Sabalenka
The first meeting between Osaka and Sabalenka was a hard-fought contest, with the former winning the first set after breaking twice before the latter roared back to claim the second set, 6-2.
In the decider, Sabalenka broke early and led 2-1. But Osaka composed herself and recovered from the setback immediately to bring the final set back on serve at 2-2.
The final set stayed on serve till the 10th game, where Osaka raced to a 40-0 lead before Sabalenka saved three match points. But Osaka was not to be denied and finally converted her match point on a double fault at the fourth time of asking. Sabalenka was visibly upset and tossed her racket to her bench. Osaka, meanwhile, was emotional during her on-court interview.
“I was just thinking I wouldn’t forgive myself if I managed to lose that. So I was just really happy when I won… I was just thinking that I have to fight for every point. Even if I break a leg, I should try to get to every ball,” a teary-eyed Osaka said after securing her place in the quarterfinals.
Osaka went on to defeat Lesia Tsurenko 6-1, 6-1 in the quarterfinals before claiming a 6-2, 6-4 win over Madison Keys in the semifinals. In the final, she went up against Serena Williams and claimed a 6-2, 6-4 win to clinch her maiden Grand Slam title.
Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka Set for 2026 Indian Wells Rematch
Osaka and Sabalenka haven’t faced off on the WTA Tour since that remarkable 2018 US Open clash. But that will change later on Tuesday when they collide in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.
MORE: Aryna Sabalenka Eyes ‘Revenge’ As Naomi Osaka Expresses Excitement for ‘Crazy’ Indian Wells Showdown
Both players are now four-time Grand Slam champions and have enjoyed dominant runs as World No. 1s.
Sabalenka is currently on top of her game, while Osaka is back after becoming a mother and taking a hiatus from the WTA Tour. The 28-year-old has shown glimpses of her quality in recent months and will be out to pull off another upset against the Belarusian on Tuesday.
