Naomi Osaka Stages Dramatic Comeback at Miami Open

MIAMI, Fla. — Former world number one Naomi Osaka staged a remarkable comeback to secure her spot in the second round of the Miami Open on March 18, 2025, defeating qualifier Yulia Starodubtseva 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Osaka, who was coming off a disappointing first-round elimination at Indian Wells earlier this month, found herself behind after Starodubtseva, ranked 108th globally, took a commanding lead in the first set. The Ukrainian player raced to a 5-0 advantage before closing the set 6-3.

Despite the early setback, Osaka’s determination shone through on a sunny day at Hard Rock Stadium. She faced a 2-4 deficit in the second set but clawed back to win four consecutive games and take the set 6-4. “I knew that I wasn’t playing too well, but I thought, let me try to stay on the court as long as possible because I consider Miami my home,” Osaka said post-match.

In the final set, Osaka’s experience became evident as she broke Starodubtseva in the fourth game and maintained her serve amid pressure. After saving two break points in a crucial ninth game, she sealed the victory on an unreturnable serve, finishing the match in two hours and twenty-eight minutes.

Looking ahead, Osaka will face No. 24 seed Liudmila Samsonova in a highly anticipated second-round matchup. The two have split their previous two encounters, heightening the stakes for their forthcoming clash. “If she’s going to beat me, she’s going to have to play for three hours,” Osaka added, reflecting on her resilience during the match.

In other results at the Miami Open, American player Aoi Ito faced a tough challenge against Lesia Tsurenko but was eliminated in the first round, underscoring the competition’s intensity. Ito, currently ranked 106th, is gearing up for the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Final Qualifiers next month, aiming to showcase her skills on an international stage.

The Miami Open is renowned for serving as a platform for both emerging talents and established champions. Players like Osaka and Ito bring diverse stories and aspirations to the tournament, enhancing its rich narrative as fans eagerly await thrilling matches in the days ahead.

As the tournament continues through March 30, the potential for surprise victories and dramatic matches remains high, with fans anticipating excellence from all competitors on the court.