BIG WIN: Naomi Osaka Sets Sights on Competing with the Best After Miami Victory

Naomi Osaka took another step forward in her comeback journey, securing a hard-fought 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Yuliia Starodubtseva in the first round of the Miami Open. Following the win, the former world No. 1 expressed her determination to once again challenge the top players, acknowledging that it will be a gradual process.

After stepping away from tennis for maternity leave in 2023, Osaka has been steadily regaining form. She made an impressive start to 2025 by reaching her first final since returning to the tour, finishing as the runner-up in Auckland against Clara Tauson. However, an abdominal injury hampered her progress, forcing her to retire from both the Auckland final and her fourth-round match at the Australian Open.

Reflecting on her Miami victory, Osaka shared how much the tournament means to her:

“I try to make every point count, and eventually it adds up. Thankfully, I won that match. Miami feels like home turf to me. I grew up going to Key Biscayne, watching the pros play—it was always a huge inspiration. Now, being here as a player still feels a little surreal. Seeing all the little kids reminds me of myself at that age, and I’m definitely trying to stay in this tournament as long as I can.”

She also emphasized her recent progress, particularly in her movement, which she sees as a major improvement compared to last year:

“The thing I’m most proud of is my movement. I was able to chase down a lot of shots today, which is something I haven’t relied on for a long time. It’s taken a lot of work to get to this level of fitness again, especially after pregnancy, so I’m really happy about that.”

Osaka, who welcomed her daughter Shai in July 2023 with rapper Conrae, made her return to professional tennis in Brisbane in 2024. While she admits to still battling nerves in key moments, she remains optimistic that more match experience will help her settle into a rhythm.

As she continues her journey back to the top, Osaka has made it clear—she is determined to compete with the sport’s elite once again.