Naomi Osaka didn’t make it easy for Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round of the Madrid Open. Just weeks after a straight-sets defeat, the Japanese star staged an aggressive display in hopes of rattling the World No. 1.
While Sabalenka pulled through in three sets, she appreciated Osaka’s challenge. Meanwhile, Osaka also shared her thoughts after the encounter.
Aryna Sabalenka Inspired by Naomi Osaka After Madrid Open Match
After straight-set victories against Camila Osorio and Anhelina Kalinina at the Madrid Open, Osaka appeared to enter Monday’s round-of-16 contest determined to upset the top seed and defending champion.
Both players were evenly matched in the first 12 games, but Osaka found another gear in the tiebreak, suffocating the World No. 1 with first-strike tennis. She ultimately clinched the opening set 7-6(1).
Sabalenka then found herself on the back foot in the early stages of the second set, as Osaka broke her for a 2-1 lead. She, however, broke her opponent right back and eventually clinched another decisive break to close the second set 6-3.
In the third set, Sabalenka created break-point opportunities in three of her four return games and broke the fellow four-time Grand Slam champion twice to win the match 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-2.
During her press conference, she acknowledged Osaka’s unrelenting effort. “I’m happy with my performance that when someone put me under pressure, I was able to pull out really incredible shots and incredible tennis.”
“I’m happy that she actually brought that fight just so I could fight through it. I could struggle a little bit and find solution in the match. So, overall happy,” the defending champion said.
In her on-court interview, Sabalenka also admitted that she finds Naomi Osaka’s return to the top after becoming a mother inspiring.
“She’s such an inspiration. Coming back after pregnancy in a sport like tennis is not easy at all. To see her back in top 20, for sure she’s going towards top 10. It’s incredible. It’s inspiring. She gives all of us hope that we can go for a baby and we can come back and still play that level of tennis. It’s inspiring.”
Aryna Sabalenka had kind words for Naomi Osaka after beating her in Madrid
“She’s such an inspiration. Coming back after pregnancy in a sport like tennis is not easy at all. To see her back in top 20, for sure she’s going towards top 10. It’s incredible. It’s inspiring. She… pic.twitter.com/kOdw054Znp
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 27, 2026
Osaka entered the WTA 1000 clay event as the 14th seed, which she felt was a feat in itself. “I know this is minor, but I’m really proud to see the (14) next to my name this tournament,” she wrote on Threads a few days ago.
MORE: Naomi Osaka’s Daughter Shai Present in Madrid After Time in USA
After posing a challenge to Sabalenka in Madrid, the former World No. 1 appeared hopeful of exacting revenge in their next match.
“Well, I tried my best. Maybe next time – hope it was entertaining at least,” she wrote.
After winning the third match in their rivalry on Monday, Aryna Sabalenka has established a 2-1 lead in their head-to-head record. While Osaka won their first contest at the 2018 US Open, Sabalenka won their recent 2026 Indian Wells duel.
After her fourth-round win, the defending champion faces Hailey Baptiste for a place in the semifinals. According to PFSN’s exclusive simulator, she boasts a staggering 94% chance of winning against the American.
