For the past three years, the French Open has been criticized for not scheduling a women’s singles match as the night match at Roland Garros.
That is about to change as the tournament announced on Sunday that it will put the Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka match on its Monday night docket.
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Sabalenka vs. Osaka just got more visibility, if that’s possible, and tennis fans think it means two things.
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Sabalenka will thrive under the lights
WTA World No. 1 Sabalenka loves playing under the lights and was one of the last to do so at Roland Garros a few years ago. She defeated Osaka in two 2026 meetings (Indian Wells and Madrid) was the heavy favorite in this match before it became a night match.
She feeds off the crowd in electric night settings, most notably at the US Open.
It is an unpredictable French Open, but this is welcome news for Sabalenka and her team.
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Osaka will use fashion to alleviate the pressure
Naomi Osaka has been subtly changing her fashionable looks for each entrance at Roland Garros.
Her fashion statements have garnered a lot of attention and admirers, including Sabalenka.
What will she wear to capture the moment against the current World No. 1? She said her kits are planned over a year in advance so it will not be drastic, but fans are anxious to see the next iteration of the current golden kit.
It may be a way to redirect the nerves that Osaka will likely have about the match now shifted to the night session.
Watch the Aryna Sabalenka vs. Naomi Osaka match on TNT Sports on Monday, June 1 at 2:15 PM EDT.

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