The wait is over.

Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka go head-to-head for the first time since the 2018 US Open after both won in Tennis Paradise on Sunday. 

Yes, it’s been that long. Far too long as far as tennis fans are concerned, given their quality and star power.

“For me, it's really exciting,” said Osaka. “I have watched her, I don't want to say ‘grow over the years’ because I think she's only a little bit younger than me and I feel like an old person, but yeah, I have watched her grow over the years.

“She's so consistent, she's the No. 1 player in the world and it’s for me very motivating. I'm excited to play her and I'm looking forward to it a lot.”

Sabalenka, a year younger than Osaka at 27, feels the same way. 

“Well, it would be for sure a fashion show at the beginning,” said Sabalenka. “Then a crazy match. She's a great player. Came back after pregnancy. Incredible shape. I have been watching her matches, really admire her.”

Sabalenka no doubt referred to Osaka’s grand entrance in Indian Wells in 2026 — walking on court for her first-round match with gold jewelry on her face and playing in a leopard-inspired outfit. 

At the Australian Open in her opener, she made an even bolder fashion statement, entering the arena in a white top hat, white umbrella, long veil and floor-length gown. 

Sabalenka has been sporting some jewelry herself in the desert, competing with a diamond ring after getting engaged to Georgios Frangulis in Indian Wells. 

“We double checked if there is a possibility to lose the diamond, and there is none, so I was pretty confident wearing this ring, and it feels comfy, feels shiny,” said Sabalenka. “I hope that my opponent will get distracted with this diamond and it's going to benefit me,” she joked last week.

Back in 2018 in New York, neither were Grand Slam winners. Only one spot separated them in the rankings — Osaka came in 19th and Sabalenka 20th. 

Osaka won in three sets in the fourth round, the only set she’d lose the entire fortnight. About a week later, Osaka opened her Grand Slam account by topping Serena Williams. 

“I do remember it just because I felt like in that tournament, that was the hardest match for me, and I remember thinking, ‘We’re both going to get very far,’” said Osaka. “Obviously, I was right. It's really cool to see how far we both have come.”

Osaka has since won three more majors, all of them on hard courts, and formerly held the No. 1 ranking. Like the US-based Japanese slugger, Sabalenka owns two US Open and two Australian Open trophies. 

Injuries, a mental health break and pregnancy all contributed to less than a full schedule for Osaka over the years and thus, more encounters with Sabalenka. 

They almost locked horns at the US Open last year — in the final — but Amanda Anisimova defeated Osaka in a three-set semifinal thriller. 

If she beats Sabalenka, Osaka would move into a first quarterfinal in Indian Wells since winning the title in that same 2018 campaign. 

On Sunday, the world No. 16 needed three sets to overcome the foe she lost to last year in the desert, Camila Osorio. 

“I don't know about full circle, but I do know I don't like losing to the same person often,” said Osaka, who was ranked 56th in Indian Wells last year. “I did have that in mind, especially since it's in the same location.

“But I would hope that I have become a better player since last year.”