Aryna Sabalenka didn’t know for sure who she would face in the fourth round of the 2026 BNP Paribas Open, but the world No. 1 knows what to expect from Naomi Osaka with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.
“Well, it would be for sure a fashion show at the beginning,” joked the top seed of their shared passion for fashion. “Then a crazy match.”
Sabalenka indeed got Osaka after the Japanese star solved Camila Osorio in three sets later on Sunday.
“She’s a great player,” said Sabalenka. “Came back after pregnancy. Incredible shape. I have been watching her matches, really admire her.”
Read more: Sabalenka sports 12-carat diamond for first match at BNP Paribas Open
The newly engaged Sabalenka, who partnered with Gucci during the Australian Open, has praised Osaka for her daring pre-match fits during the season’s first Grand Slam.
