Naomi Osaka put up a brave fight last night, but simply did not have enough to truly challenge Aryna Sabalenka on Philippe Chatrier.
Despite that, it was a clash worthy of the night session, even if it was only two sets and lasted less than two hours.
It’s a testament to the Japanese superstar’s quality that she brought the very best out of the world number one, who perfectly exhibited her ability to blast the ball past her opponent and leave her scrambling for a drop shot that was seemingly always out of her reach.
Discussing this variety and Aryna Sabalenka’s all-around play, Naomi Osaka discussed whether she had ever faced a player like her before in her career.
Naomi Osaka rates Aryna Sabalenka’s performance after loss at Roland Garros
Speaking at her post-match press conference, Osaka began by seemingly playing down the Sabalenka drop shot.
She argued: “All the people I have played this tournament have hit drop shots. Obviously she is the hardest-hitting one, so when she hits a drop shot it works better I think, because she obviously could hit a winner too if she wanted to.”
Then asked if she had ever seen anything like it, Osaka continued: “My hitter hits drop shots too! You know what though? For me, back in the old days, I really liked playing against Barty because everything she did was so fluid and I feel like she hit a lot of really good drop shots and slices too.”
Who is Aryna Sabalenka’s biggest threat for the Roland Garros title now?
Osaka concluded by sharing her initial reaction to this loss, explaining how far she has come emotionally by stating: “I don’t know if you knew me before, but I would be very disappointed in myself after matches like these, but I kind of realised that it doesn’t matter any more.
“I have played her multiple times, and I am sad to see I have lost multiple times. The only thing I can keep doing is trying my best, and hopefully it will work out in my favour one day. I can’t let myself be discouraged every time I lose to someone or win against someone, because honestly hitting a ball doesn’t really matter on Earth.”
Meanwhile, Sabalenka had kind words for Osaka, branding her an inspiration whilst speaking to reporters.
Naomi Osaka’s new head-to-head record vs Aryna Sabalenka after their latest match
Last night marked the fourth meeting between these two 28-year-old superstars, both of whom have won four Grand Slam titles across their glittering careers.
However, it is Sabalenka who holds a slender lead in their head-to-head, having extended her win streak with last night’s victory.
| Year | Event | Round | Winner |
| 2026 | Roland Garros | Fourth Round | Aryna Sabalenka |
| 2026 | Madrid Open | Fourth Round | Aryna Sabalenka |
| 2026 | Indian Wells | Fourth Round | Aryna Sabalenka |
| 2018 | US Open | Fourth Round | Naomi Osaka |
The Belarusian has now won all of their last three clashes, with Osaka’s only win coming back in 2018.
It’s worth noting that all of their encounters have come on huge stages too, having competed at the US Open, Indian Wells, the Madrid Open earlier this year and now Roland Garros.
It feels like Osaka, despite her admirable resurgence, still has some way to go before she can truly start to challenge Sabalenka on a regular basis.
