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When Sabalenka and Osaka first met in New York eight years ago, both were 20 years old and had quickly risen through the ranks.
Both players said that the fourth round match in which Japan’s Osaka won 6-3 2-6 6-4 was a turning point in their careers.
Top seed Sabalenka said: “I felt we were both the next generation.
“When she won that game, I felt like she was going to win a slam.”
The Belarusian man who had a split in the decision set – was right. Five days later, Osaka beat Serena Williams to become the first player from Japan to win a major.
Over the next 28 months, Osaka won three more Grand Slam titles. Sabalenka did not ask for anything.
But their careers soon took different paths.
Osaka will step away from tennis in 2021 to prioritize her mental health before taking a 15-month maternity leave with daughter Shai, born in July 2023.
While Osaka was far away, Sabalenka finally found her moment of triumph, winning her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2023 Australian Open.
“Obviously (we) have a different story,” Sabalenka said after her third-round win over Jelena Ostapenko.
“She’s been through different things, I’ve been through different things. I feel like we’re both completely different players and people.”
