Aryna Sabalenka turned an exhibition match in Las Vegas into a playful spectacle, ordering Naomi Osaka to do push-ups during their MGM Rewards Slam clash. The event, also featuring Andre Agassi and Mardy Fish in mixed doubles, unfolded at Michelob ULTRA Arena ahead of Indian Wells’ main draw this weekend.
Sabalenka emerged victorious in a lighthearted 6-4, 6-4 battle, entertaining the crowd with flair. Early in the second set, after Osaka dropped the first game to love—flummoxed by Sabalenka’s booming serve and sending a forehand long—Sabalenka pointed, mimed a push-up, and Osaka complied. She pounded out 10, the audience counting along, before rising with a laugh amid roaring cheers.
Later, Sabalenka bamboozled Osaka with a sneaky underarm serve, landing an ace as Osaka stood frozen. Grinning, Sabalenka blew kisses to the delighted fans. She’ll now aim to carry that momentum into Indian Wells, where she faltered in last year’s fourth round against Emma Navarro and is eager for redemption.
The Las Vegas event was meant to span two days, with Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Tommy Paul slated for Sunday’s 10-point tiebreak round robin. But Sinner’s doping suspension and Fritz’s withdrawal—after an abdominal issue sidelined him in Mexico—scrapped those plans. Organizers pivoted, enlisting Agassi and Fish to join Sabalenka and Osaka. In mixed doubles, Agassi and Sabalenka edged out Fish and Osaka 10-8.
