March 21, (THEWILL) – Naomi Osaka continued her impressive comeback from motherhood, defeating Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-3 6-4 in the first round of the Miami Open on Wednesday. The former world number one looked sharp, breaking Cocciaretto early and never facing a break point herself in the opening set.
Despite Cocciaretto’s recent title in Charleston, the 51st-ranked Italian struggled to handle Osaka’s quality. The Japanese star needed just one break in the second set to wrap up the straight-sets victory, firing an ace on her second match point. Osaka’s performances are building nicely ahead of another marquee clash.
Her next opponent is 15th seed Elina Svitolina, who is also working her way back after giving birth in 2023. Osaka expressed excitement about the battle of mothers, saying: “I was admiring all her runs at Wimbledon. It’s going to be an incredible honour to play against her.”
Elsewhere on day three in Miami, American qualifier Katie Volynets scored an upset over compatriot Sofia Kenin 6-2 4-6 6-3. Croatia’s Donna Vekic overcame big-hitting Czech Karolina Pliskova 6-4 2-6 6-2, while Sloane Stephens defeated Angelique Kerber in another first-round tilt.
With her game rounding into form, all eyes will be on Osaka as she continues her latest comeback journey alongside fellow mum Svitolina.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
