Aryna Sabalenka And Naomi Osaka Exchange Shots on Japanese Abandoning Own Agency After the Indian Wells Encounter

Aryna Sabalenka beat Naomi Osaka in straight sets in the Indian Wells Round of 16.

Aryna Sabalenka And Naomi Osaka Exchange Shots on Japanese Abandoning Own Agency After the Indian Wells Encounter

Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka (via X/Jose Morgado/Tennis Channel)

In Short
  • Aryna Sabalenka defeated Naomi Osaka 6-2, 6-4 at Indian Wells.
  • Sabalenka criticized Osaka's decision to leave Evolve and return to IMG during the press conference.
  • Osaka emphasized their different experiences with management agencies and her positive relationship with IMG.

There was never much doubt about who was walking off the Indian Wells court with the win. Aryna Sabalenka came out swinging, Naomi Osaka fought to stay in it, and by the time the dust settled, the scoreboard read 6-2, 6-4 in favor of the World No. 1.

But the real drama? That came in the post-match press room, where Sabalenka had something to say about Osaka’s career decisions, and the Japanese star had something to say right back. Sabalenka, when asked about Osaka’s decision to leave Evolve and return to IMG, didn’t mince words.

Not at all. I just feel sorry for her that she had to move back from Evolve to IMG. I don’t think that’s a smart decision. I’m happy, I’m super happy that now, all the time, they’re kind of like, how you say, balancing between Naomi and me, and now I get most of the time. I’m happy with that (smiling).

Evolve is the agency co-founded by Osaka herself with Stuart Duguid. Sabalenka is still represented by Evolve, so she’s got skin in the game. But calling out a colleague’s management move in a press conference is a choice, and it’s the kind of comment that travels fast. Osaka, for her part, wasn’t rattled. She said in her post-match press conference:

Was she laughing when she said it (smiling)? 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 IMG to people. I guess she wouldn’t. But, yeah, I think we just have two very different experiences at two different places.

What works for Sabalenka doesn’t have to work for Osaka, and vice versa. The Japanese star spent six years with IMG between 2016 and 2022 before helping launch Evolve. She knows both worlds better than almost anyone. If she feels more comfortable back at IMG, that’s a decision she earned the right to make.

Aryna Sabalenka was built different on Tuesday

From the opening game, this one felt lopsided. Aryna Sabalenka went to work like she had a flight to catch. 31 winners, 8 aces, 2 break points faced, 0 conceded is not just a win, but that’s a demolition.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X/HQ Pics)

Osaka held her own in stretches during the second set. There were moments where she found her footing, put together clean ball-striking sequences, and reminded the crowd exactly why she’s a four-time Grand Slam champion.

But whenever the match reached a crossroads, Sabalenka slammed the door shut. No drama, no wobbles. Just clean, suffocating tennis from the woman who’s been the best player on the planet for a while now.

For Osaka, this was still a meaningful outing. She’s been working her way back after stepping away from the tour in 2023 to have her daughter. Coming back to professional tennis after maternity leave is no small thing, and Osaka has been building steadily. The result stings, but her season is still moving in the right direction.

The bigger picture for both players

For Aryna Sabalenka, the win keeps her Indian Wells title hunt alive. She’s reached the final here twice, in 2023 and 2025, and walked away empty-handed both times. She wants this one badly, and so far, she’s doing everything right. Next up is Victoria Mboko, a Canadian teenager who’s been turning heads all week. That should be a fascinating test.

Aryna Sabalenka (5)
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X/HQ Pics)

For Naomi Osaka, the work continues. She came into this tournament ranked outside the top 50, still climbing back toward the elite tier. Matches like Tuesday’s are part of that process. She’s finding her rhythm, rediscovering what makes her dangerous, and building toward something. Her comeback story isn’t over. Not even close.

This was only the second time Sabalenka and Osaka have met on tour. Their first match was at the 2018 US Open, where a 20-year-old Osaka defeated her en route to her first major title. Eight years later, Sabalenka flipped the script in dominant fashion.

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