Tennis: Naomi Osaka banks gritty victory at Miami Open

Naomi Osaka navigated a tricky first-round match at the Miami Open on Tuesday, coming from behind to beat Yuliia Stardubtseva 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

The former world No.1 was a point away from being a set and a double break down in what was just her second match since retiring injured from the Australian Open in January.

Speaking to media after the match, Osaka revealed she still has a desire to return to the top of the sport.

“I want to play with the big dogs so bad,” she said. 

“I just see everyone playing so well and I want to do the same.”

Having been back on the WTA Tour for a little over a year now after giving birth to her daughter in 2023, Osaka has struggled to return to the level that won her four Grand Slams between 2019 and 2021.

Her victory over Stardubtseva sets up an intriguing clash with No.24 seed Liudmila Samsonova, with tennis betting sites giving the 27-year-old a healthy chance of pulling off an upset.

Despite Samsonova sitting at No.18 in the WTA live rankings, top bookie Nags.bet prices Osaka at -138.89 to move through to the third round.

Online bookmakers are not so confident about Osaka’s title chances in Miami, putting her at +4000 to lift her first trophy since 2021.

The Japanese star believes she is returning to her best level, however, rating herself “a solid 75 out of 100”.

“I can’t speak for all the mothers, but for me in particular it was really hard to come back after pregnancy,” she said. 

“I’ve learnt a lot of abdomen terms that I’ve never heard of before, I feel very knowledgeable now. 

“I’m just really glad to be here, glad to be healthy.

“I think the thing I’m the most proud of is my movement. I was able to get a lot of balls back today. 

“I don’t think I have, in my head, thought to rely on my wheels in a really long time, so I’m really glad I’ve got to this point in my fitness.

“It’s been quite a long journey post-pregnancy, so I’m really happy about that.”

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