Indian Wells: Naomi Osaka sets up Aryna Sabalenka Blockbuster After Win Over Camila Osorio

Last Updated:March 09, 2026, 12:53 IST

Osaka got the better of Camila Osorio in a 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 victory, while Sabalenka defeated Romania's Jaqueline Cristian 6-4, 6-1 to secure a last-16 match.

Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka are set to face off in the fourth round at Indian Wells on Sunday after fourth-ranked Coco Gauff retired due to a left arm injury.

World number one Sabalenka defeated Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian 6-4, 6-1 to secure a last-16 match against former champion Osaka.

Japan’s Osaka, seeded 16th, claimed a 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Camila Osorio, avenging a first-round loss to the Colombian last year.

“So many things I felt like I did great today," Sabalenka said after her powerful performance against Cristian, which included 23 winners. “Serving well, happy with the way I stayed focused no matter what, and of course happy with the win."

Sabalenka is aiming for her first title at the prestigious ATP and WTA Masters 1000 event, having twice finished as the runner-up.

Osaka, who won her first title at Indian Wells in 2018 and later that year the US Open, has only faced Sabalenka once before, defeating her on the way to her US Open victory. Both players are now four-time Grand Slam champions.

“I’ll have a chance to get revenge, hopefully," Sabalenka said.

Osaka, competing in her first tournament since withdrawing from the Australian Open third round due to an abdominal injury, dominated the first set against Osorio but faltered in the second. The Colombian broke Osaka for a 4-2 lead and held on to win the set.

However, Osaka regained control in the third set, breaking early for a 3-0 lead and closing out the match without facing another break point. “I can only say that I tried to be more positive," said Osaka, who admitted she let frustration consume her in the second set. “I felt like the second set I was complaining a lot and then I just kind of thought my daughter could be watching me mope around the court. So I needed to pick up my attitude and that’s kind of what I did in the third."

Sixth-seeded Amanda Anisimova and seventh-seeded Jasmine Paolini also advanced to the last 16. American Anisimova needed just 52 minutes to defeat 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu of Britain 6-1, 6-1, while Italy’s Paolini overcame Australian veteran Ajla Tomljanovic 7-5, 5-7, 6-1.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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