Naomi Osaka has been knocked out of the Indian Wells Open after Aryna Sabalenka defeated her in straight sets, 6–2, 6–4.
Sabalenka started the match very well. She played aggressively and hit powerful shots from the baseline. Osaka made a few mistakes early in the set, which allowed Sabalenka to take control.
Sabalenka broke Osaka’s serve and quickly built a lead. Osaka tried to respond with strong returns, but Sabalenka stayed confident and won the first set 6–2.
In the second set Osaka improved her game and held her serve better but Sabalenka stayed calm and continued to play attacking tennis. She managed to break Osaka’s serve again during an important moment in the set. Sabalenka then held her serve and won the set 6–4 to finish the match.
Addressing the media during her on court interview Osaka said, “Was she laughing when she said it (smiling)? Look, we’re two different people, like, for sure. I think her experiences aren’t the same as mine, and I wouldn’t have it any other way, you know. For me, I have always loved IMG.
“I have been treated really well there, and the people there are really kind to me. I would recommend IMG to people. I guess she wouldn’t. But, yeah, I think we just have two very different experiences at two different places”.
Aryna Sabalenka will now face teenage rising star Victoria Mboko in the next round of the Indian Wells Open. The two players have played against each other at the Australian Open 2026, where Sabalenka won in straight sets, 6–1, 7–6.
