Naomi Osaka Moves To Third Round At Miami Open

Naomi Osaka advanced to the third round of the WTA1000 Miami Open after defeating world number 21 Liudmila Samsonova in straight sets on March 20, 2025. The former world number one, currently ranked 61st, secured her victory with a score of 6-2, 6-4, continuing her comeback after an injury hiatus.

Osaka's journey in the tournament began with a first-round match on March 18, where she rallied to overcome Yulia Starodubtsewa, the qualifier from Ukraine, in a closely contested three-set match (3-6, 6-4, 6-3). This win marked her first victory in two months, since her retirement in the third round of the Australian Open due to an abdominal injury.

This Miami Open marks an important event for the 27-year-old Osaka as it is her eighth appearance and second consecutive year participating in this prestigious tournament. Earlier in 2025, she had reached the finals of the ASB Classic, signaling a resurgence in her career despite early setbacks.

Osaka faced a challenging second-round opponent in Samsonova, a formidable player with a solid record of five career singles titles. Their match was the third encounter between the pair, with the head-to-head record standing at 1-1 prior. Their last meeting in May 2024 at the Madrid Open saw Osaka falling to Samsonova in a hard-fought match (2-6, 6-4, 5-7).

From the outset of the match, spectators witnessed a brilliantly competitive spirit, with both players exhibiting impressive skills. Osaka, demonstrating her trademark resilience, countered Samsonova's sharp shots effectively. She broke her opponent's serve not once, but twice in the first set, claiming the opening set in just 31 minutes.

As the second set progressed, the momentum shifted slightly but Osaka maintained her composure. Early in the set, she broke Samsonova's serve and appeared poised to close out the match amidst rising tension. However, she faced a moment of adversity when she was serving for the match at 5-3 and found herself in a precarious 15-40 position. Yet, once again, her determination led her to rebound, as she broke Samsonova's serve in the subsequent game, concluding the match in one hour and seven minutes.

Looking ahead, Osaka will face American player Hailey Baptiste in the next round. Baptiste advanced by defeating the 12th seed Daria Kasatkina in her second-round match. As Osaka's journey continues, fans are eager to see if she can capture her first title since returning from maternity leave and highlight an incredible comeback.

Osaka's path has not been without challenges. She initially showed promise at the ASB Classic where she reached the finals but had to retire due to an abdominal issue. After missing February entirely for competitions, she returned to play at the BNP Paribas Open, only to face an early exit in the first round against Camila Osorio.

Despite these hurdles, her victory against Samsonova serves as a testament to her ability and eagerness to strengthen her competitive presence in the sport. As the tournament progresses, Osaka's resilience remains on display, and expectations soar as she aims for further success.