Aryna Sabalenka vs Naomi Osaka Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Osaka holds value in blockbuster R16 clash

It doesn't get much bigger than this to launch the Stadium 1 action at Indian Wells on Tuesday. Incredibly, these two have only squared off once before - and that came all the way back at the 2018 US Open, with Osaka prevailing in three sets. Obviously a lot has changed since then - Sabalenka has bulldozed her way to the undisputed No. 1 ranking and has remained at the top spot for the last couple of years now, while Osaka continues to try and claw her way back to the top after maternity leave.

Both players have only lost one completed match for the year and although she rightfully deserves favouritism, Sabalenka priced between $1.10 and $1.15 at most leading Australian bookmakers is insane. The market is treating Osaka like she's your average top 100 player and not capable of beating anyone on her day, which she most certainly is. The Japanese star has won this title before (Sabalenka hasn't) and she's got a big of her swag back over the last few months. These two haven't played in eight years and I doubt they've practiced much either. All the value is with Osaka here and I'll be betting accordingly.

It's been another dominant start to the season for Sabalenka, but she again missed out on the Australian Open title and she'll be bitterly disappointed if she leaves the Californian desert empty handed too.

Sabalenka launched her year with a 22nd singles title in Brisbane and again powered her way into the Australian Open final - although she didn't face a top 10 player along the way before being edged out by Elena Rybakina.

The World No. 1 opted to skip the Middle East swing and returned at Indian Wells with one-sided victories over Himeno Sakatsume (6-3 6-2) and Jaqueline Cristian (6-4 6-1).

Sabalenka has now won 23 matches on the trot against players outside the top 20.

It's been a slow burn of a comeback for Osaka, but she's back inside the top 20 after eye-catching runs at the end of last year, where she made the Canada Open final and US Open semi-finals.

Osaka's Aussie summer didn't go quite according to plan as she was forced to give a walkover in the third round of the Australian Open due to an abdominal injury. The Japanese earned a nice three-set win over Sorana Cirstea before being pulling out of the tournament.

Returning to action at Indian Wells this tournament, Osaka defeated in-form qualifier Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva 7-5 6-2 before outlasting Camila Osario 6-1 3-6 6-1 to reach the R16.

Watch and bet on Aryna Sabalenka vs Naomi Osaka live tennis from Indian Wells.

You can watch and bet on the match live at Unibet > Tennis > WTA Indian Wells with the action available to stream on desktop and mobile.

Geo-restrictions apply, you'll need a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to gain access. 18+ terms and conditions apply.