Aryna Sabalenka vs Naomi Osaka Preview & Prediction | 2026 Indian Wells Open (BNP Paribas Open) | Round of 16

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An intriguing encounter at Indian Wells sees world number one Aryna Sabalenka face four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. 

Ranking points: WTA 1000

Start date/time:

Venue: Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Indian Wells, USA

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Aryna Sabalenka vs Naomi Osaka ticket information

Aryna Sabalenka vs Naomi Osaka prediction

Aryna Sabalenka continued her progress at Indian Wells as she comfortably got past Jaqueline Cristian in straight sets. The Belarusian was broke when serving for the first set, but broke Cristian in the next service game to go in front. She raced clear in the second to win 6-4 6-1 and now has 13 wins from 14 matches this season.

She is seeking a first title at the event and now takes on 2018 champion Naomi Osaka. The four-time Grand Slam champion was pushed by Camila Osorio but managed to get through in three sets. She won 6-1 3-6 6-1 after one hour and 39 minutes.

This is the first match between the pair since 2018, with Osaka winning at the round-of-16 stage of the US Open on her way to winning her first major title. Sabalenka is now the dominant player on tour, but this will be her biggest test of the event so far, especially if Osaka maintains a first serve percentage that exceeds 70%.  

Aryna Sabalenka vs Naomi Osaka tip: Over 18.5 games