PREVIEW

Osaka Fights Back in Miami and Sets Her Sights on Tennis Elite. Naomi Osaka came from behind to beat Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the first round of the Miami Open. The win was Osaka’s first since January, following her second-round exit at the Australian Open. Two weeks earlier, she lost in the first round at Indian Wells, calling it “the worst match I’ve ever played in my life.” After her win in Miami, Osaka said she wants to “play with the big dogs” but added, “I have to remember it’s a process.” The four-time Grand Slam champion has taken time off for mental health and maternity, and hasn’t reached the fourth round of a major since winning the Australian Open in 2021. Determined to turn things around, Osaka said, “I was going to run into every corner if I had to… we were going to play for three hours if she was going to beat me.” She focused on using her legs and patience after over-hitting at Indian Wells, adding, “Let me try to stay on the court as long as possible.” Osaka considers Miami her home tournament and hopes this win will help her regain momentum.
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