Sabalenka: "We are treated equally, we are paid the same as men"

Pedro de Pablos | 10 Mar 2026 | 22.03

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Aryna Sabalenka has given Naomi Osaka no chance in their round of 16 match at the Indian Wells WTA 1000 in 2026. The world number one has played at a very high level, and after the match, she attended the press conference to talk about her feelings and other current topics, such as gender equality on the tour.

Sabalenka had only faced Osaka once, at the 2018 US Open, where she ended up losing. The Belarusian player has analyzed how many things have changed in her life since then, and has also shared her views on the calendar issue after facing criticism for skipping the Middle East WTA 1000 events. Regarding the ATP and the WTA, she highlighted that the main difference is how they promote the players, expressing her satisfaction with the existing economic equality.

Match against Osaka

"I'm very happy with my performance today, with the variety I've brought to the court, with the fact that I made her guess what I was going to do most of the time. Of course, satisfied with the serves, so I think it was a great performance on my part. I was trying to change the pace and ensure the ball came back to her side with different heights and speeds. I think that was the key to the match."

Pressure of being number one and the player to beat

"It's definitely pressure, but at the same time, that's how we improve. My rivals step onto the court and have to do something extra. I feel that's how they feel and act, and that's how we improve and become stronger. I feel they make an extra effort, and I feel in crucial moments they might drop their level. That's where I can step in, and that's how I become a better player."

Nerves before playing against Osaka

"Actually no. I don't think about these kinds of things when I go to the match. I just focus on myself, on the game strategy I have, and this is what I've learned through experience. It's better to leave these things off the tennis court, go out there, and give your best. That's what I focus on."

Match against Osaka in 2018

"It's crazy. Can you believe that after so many years on tour, we've only played once? But I feel I started doing better when she got pregnant. I think that's why we didn't have many opportunities to face each other, and I'm pretty sure we'll face each other many more times. I have changed a lot since then. Many things have happened to me, and I have become a better player and a better person. I control my emotions better, I have more experience, and I've won some Grand Slams. I feel that now I'm a completely different person from who I was when we played in 2018."

Gender equality in tennis

"I feel we are on the right path, progressing in the right direction. We are treated equally, we are paid the same. Overall, I think women's sports have improved in growth, and yes, I feel we are moving in the right direction. I'm happy with most things, even with scheduling, with prize money and all that. I would probably do a little better in promoting our sport. I love the way the ATP promotes and how ATP marketing works. I feel that this is the area where we can improve and attract more attention and focus on women's tennis."

Next match against Mboko or Anisimova

"I love that they are aggressive, I feel both of them are fighters. I've played many matches against Amanda, only one against Mboko, but they have been tough battles against both. It has been very aggressive tennis. It has been fun playing against both of them. I am very excited to face them, no matter who wins the match."

Calendar changes with the new Pegula association

"Personally, I wouldn't schedule any tournaments in February after the Australian Open, but you know, scheduling is very complicated. I would eliminate this mandatory situation because if you go far in a tournament, it's not good for your health to go play another one because it's mandatory. I would eliminate this mandatory situation and let the player choose where they want to compete and play because if you go far in the Australian Open, it's too soon to play in the Middle East. So, I think the mandatory situation is excessive; we need to reduce that number. It's too much."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka: "Se nos trata con igualdad, se nos paga lo mismo que a los hombres"