In a compelling display of robust athleticism, Naomi Osaka turned heads at the much-anticipated MGM Rewards Slam exhibition event held over the weekend at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. The tennis court became her gym as she prepared for her showdown with world number one, Aryna Sabalenka.
Osaka, a four-time Major champion, and Sabalenka had announced their participation in the star-studded event as early as January. The excitement mounted as fans eagerly awaited the showdown scheduled for March 1 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena located within the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
A snapshot of Osaka’s pre-match regimen was shared by Matias Zukas, her hitting partner, and team member. Osaka was seen honing her physical prowess through rigorous push-up sessions, reminiscent of her intense December 2024 workouts.
In a video capturing her training session, Osaka was seen performing an exceptionally intense core exercise. Balancing on her shoulder blades and feet, she held her midsection aloft while a trainer stood on her abdomen. She pushed her boundaries further by adding a single-leg lift, showcasing her exceptional balance and control.
Unfortunately, her physical conditioning could not secure her a victory. Sabalenka, who had an impressive run as the runner-up at the 2025 Australian Open, bested Osaka with a score of 6-4, 6-4. Despite this setback, Osaka remains undeterred. She has her eyes set on grander pursuits, including clinching her fifth Grand Slam title.
Osaka began 2025 on a positive note, reaching the ASB Classic finals in January. However, a recurring abdominal injury forced her to withdraw from the match against Clara Tausen while leading 6-4 in the first set. The same injury caused her to pull out of the Australian Open during the third round. Fortunately, it appears that Osaka has recovered in time for the upcoming BNP Paribas Open.
Osaka confirmed her return to the court during an Instagram Q&A session. Despite her disappointing performance in previous seasons, including a second-round exit in 2022 at the hands of Veronika Kudermetova, Osaka is optimistic about her prospects.
Last year, after the birth of her daughter Shai, she was defeated in the third round by Belgium’s Elise Mertens. However, the is now recovered and more determined than ever. She revealed her ambitions for 2025 in a conversation with CNN on February 22, expressing her desire to win a career grand slam by achieving victories at Wimbledon and the French Open.
As Osaka prepares for Indian Wells, fans are eager to see if she can make a deeper run at the BNP Paribas Open this time around. Only time will reveal if she can translate her undeniable strength and determination into grand slam victories.
