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last mo.

Naomi Osaka Secures First Win Since January at Miami Open

The four-time Grand Slam champion overcame a tough start to defeat Yuliia Starodubtseva, advancing to the second round in a pivotal step for her 2025 comeback.

Mar 18, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Naomi Osaka (JPN) hits a forehand against Yulia Starodubtseva (UKR) (not pictured) on day one of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Mar 18, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Yulia Starodubtseva (UKR) hits a forehand against Naomi Osaka (JPN)(not pictured) on day one of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Japan's Naomi Osaka fires a backhand in her first-round win over Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva at the Miami Open
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Overview

  • Naomi Osaka defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the first round of the Miami Open, marking her first match win since January.
  • Osaka rallied from a set down and a 4-2 deficit in the second set, showcasing resilience and improved fitness in a two-hour, 28-minute battle.
  • The victory comes after a disappointing first-round loss at Indian Wells, which Osaka called the 'worst match' of her career.
  • Osaka credited her preparation in Miami, including a focused training week, for helping her recover her form and stamina.
  • She next faces 24th seed Liudmila Samsonova in the second round, aiming to build on the momentum as she continues her return to elite competition.