Sabalenka defeats Osaka in women's night match at French Open

In the first women’s night match at the French Open since 2023, Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, won against Naomi Osaka with a score of 7-5, 6-3, advancing to the quarter-finals. The match took place on Monday, June 1, 2026, and marked a significant moment for women’s tennis at the event as it returned to the spotlight.

The match followed a major shift in the tournament, allowing women to reclaim center stage amid a collapse in the men's draw. Sabalenka and Osaka engaged in an intense battle, showcasing powerful groundstrokes and high-level play. Sabalenka, demonstrating her prowess, elevated her performance during crucial moments, ultimately sealing her victory.

This match was particularly significant for Sabalenka, who had struggled with her form on clay earlier this year. However, she consistently excels at Grand Slam events, now reaching the quarter-finals in her last 14 tournaments. She is set to face the 25th seed, Diana Shnaider, in the next round. The winner of that match will go on to meet the winner of the surprise quarter-final between Anna Kalinskaya, the 22nd seed, and Maja Chwalinska.

While both players, aged 28, have shared the spotlight as top players and grand slam champions, their careers only intersected during Osaka's dominance. Having last won a major title in 2021, Osaka noted her positive progression despite earlier challenges in her play. She expressed that for her, daily improvement, rather than results, indicates success.

The introduction of night sessions at Roland Garros in 2021 had faced criticism for not featuring women in the marquee matches, with this event marking the first such match since Sabalenka's meeting against Sloane Stephens in 2023. Sabalenka commented on the importance of this match being scheduled for the night, suggesting it could pave the way for more women's matches featured in prime slots.

Osaka, known for her striking outfits, donned a floor-length translucent skirt for the match, alongside a dazzling gold dress, showcasing her flair both on and off the court. Despite showing early dominance in the match, Sabalenka's experience and consistency allowed her to ultimately control proceedings. Osaka, despite her efforts, succumbed to the relentless pressure from the reigning world No. 1 in the second set.