Naomi Osaka was once at the top of the WTA, ranked No. 1 and the winner of four Grand Slam titles. She appeared ready to take the mantle that Serena Williams held onto for so many years and keeping it. That seems like ages ago, and now Aryna Sabalenka is queen.
If there was any doubt in the difference between the former No. 1 and the current top-ranked player, Sabalenka put that to rest on Tuesday in the fourth round of the 2026 Indian Wells Open. Osaka struggled at times to hold serve against a player more than capable of matching her power.
Meanwhile, if the Belarusian felt any nervousness that Osaka could make a comeback after being relatively trounced in the first round. Sabalenka took the opening set 6-2. Any real drama ended when the WTA No. 1 got an early break in the second set. Sabalenka simply needed to keep holding serve from there, and while some games were tight, she never folded.
Aryna Sabalenka defeats Naomi Osaka at Indian Wells
The Belarusian only faced two break points and was never broken, while the Japanese player faced nine break points and was broken thrice. She won just 54 percent of her service points.
At times, she defeated herself, finishing with four double-faults and four aces, while Sabalenka had zero and eight, respectively. The WTA No. 1 was also ruthlessly efficient with 31 winners and just 16 unforced errors.
It was the kind of performance that keeps her atop the WTA, and with little chance of being caught anytime soon. She does suffer dips in form at times, of course, but she is a metronome in bigger events, like the Masters 1000 Indian Wells tournament, and that consistency is difficult to match.
Aryna Sabalenka's next match won't be easy, most likely. She will play the winner of the Victoria Mboko and Amanda Anisimova match. Both are top-10-ranked players and are currently in great form. Whoever wins the quarterfinal match could face a red-hot Elena Rybakina in the semifinals.