Aryna Sabalenka crowned champion at MGM Rewards Slam, defeats Naomi Osaka in Las Vegas pre Indian Wells exhibition
Aryna Sabalenka Shines in Las Vegas Exhibition Against Naomi Osaka
Despite the postponement of the men’s MGM Rewards Slam, Aryna Sabalenka made sure fans in Las Vegas still got their money’s worth, delivering an exciting 6-4, 6-4 victory over Naomi Osaka in a pre-Indian Wells exhibition match.
Sabalenka’s Vegas showcase, streamed on DAZN, featured not just high-level tennis but also moments of pure entertainment. From underarm serves to allowing ball kids to play a point, the match embodied the spirit of exhibition tennis—a mix of serious competition and lighthearted fun.
Sabalenka & Agassi Secure Doubles Victory
Before their singles clash, Sabalenka teamed up with tennis legend Andre Agassi for a doubles showdown against Osaka and Mardy Fish. In front of an enthusiastic crowd, Sabalenka and Agassi triumphed 10-8, with Agassi’s daughter, Jaz, stealing the spotlight as she cheered on her father and his star teammate.
The event sought to recreate the energy of last year’s Netflix Slam, where Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz squared off in a thrilling Las Vegas exhibition. However, chaos ensued when Jannik Sinner withdrew unexpectedly due to a three-month ban, prompting Casper Ruud to step in before the exhibition was ultimately shelved by organizers.
Indian Wells Buzz: Eisenhower Cup, Battle of the Legends & Desert Smash
With Indian Wells fast approaching, exhibition tennis is in full swing. Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe are set to battle in Puerto Rico’s “Battle of the Legends,” while the highly anticipated Eisenhower Cup will feature some of the sport’s biggest names in a Tie Break Tens format.
The Eisenhower Cup lineup includes:
✅ Madison Keys & Tommy Paul (USA)
✅ Emma Navarro & Ben Shelton (USA)
✅ Taylor Fritz & Elena Rybakina
✅ Paula Badosa & Stefanos Tsitsipas
✅ Katie Boulter & Alex de Minaur
✅ Iga Swiatek & Hubert Hurkacz (Poland)
✅ Jasmine Paolini & Lorenzo Musetti (Italy)
✅ Aryna Sabalenka
Additionally, the Desert Smash (March 3-4) will feature top-tier players, including Sabalenka, Osaka, Nick Kyrgios, and Ons Jabeur. With so much action-packed tennis lined up, Las Vegas was just the beginning of a thrilling lead-up to Indian Wells.
