By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open Facebook
INDIAN WELLS—Aryna Sabalenka brings sounds and fury to the court.
The four-time Grand Slam champion’s jolting groundstrokes are often amplified by gigantic grunts.
After Sabalenka dismissed Naomi Osaka 6-2, 6-4 to reach the Indian Wells quarterfinals today, former No. 1 Osaka shared the Belarusian effectively used sound as subterfuge with amped up grunts suggesting powerful strikes that didn’t always come.
“It definitely felt like playing her for the first time,” said Osaka, who beat Sabalenka in their lone prior meeting in the 2018 US Open fourth round. “I think, like, obviously I could watch her on TV or
whatever, but in reality, it’s very different.”
The Sabalenka sound effects were effective, Osaka conceded.
“I also feel like I was a little, like, flat-footed sometimes, because I expected the ball to be coming harder but then it didn’t. She grunts the same way for every ball,” Osaka said. “I was, like, Oh, my God, she tricked me (smiling).
“No, it was a cool learning experience. I know we haven’t played for a long time, so I hope that we can play again sometime soon.”
After improving her 2026 record to 14-1, Sabalenka, who served 75 percent, pumping eight aces against no double faults, said her variety was the key. Sabalenka attacked net at times and altered the shape of her shots at times.
I” was trying to change the rhythm and make sure that the ball comes back on her side different heights and speeds,” Sabalenka said. “So I think that was the key of the match.”
Two-time Indian Wells finalist Sabalenka said she believes this match is a prelude for more showdowns to come between two premier power players.
“That’s insane [that this was our second meeting]. Can you believe for so many years on tour we only played once? But I feel like I started doing better when she got pregnant.
“I think that’s why we didn’t have much opportunities to face each other, and I feel like, pretty sure that we’re gonna face each other many more times.”
Sabalenka also offered Osaka some sympathy for returning to management firm IMG though she questioned if it’s a wise move.
“I just feel sorry for her that she moved from Evolve back to IMG,” Sabalenka said seemingly sarcastically. “I don’t think that’s a smart decision to do.
“I’m happy, I’m super happy that now all time that they were kind of like, how you say, balancing between me and the Naomi, now I got most of the time. I’m happy with that.”
Osaka took the top seed’s management advice in stride.
“Was she laughing when she said it?” Osaka asked. “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 to IMG to people. I guess she wouldn’t.”