Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka have rarely faced each other despite their high rankings, with only two previous meetings before Monday. Each had won one match.
At the Mutua Madrid Open, Sabalenka secured a hard-fought three-set victory, taking a narrow 2-1 lead in their head-to-head series. The win also extended her winning streak to 15 matches.
Osaka started stronger, winning the first set in a tiebreak 7-6. However, Sabalenka rallied to take the second set 6-3, forcing a deciding third set.
The final set was tight initially, but Sabalenka broke the tie at 3-2 and dominated the remaining games to win 6-2. She advances to the quarterfinals to face Hailey Baptiste.
Their rivalry has been limited due to off-court factors, including Osaka's break for motherhood. With both players now active, more matchups are expected.