Naomi Osaka kicks off Miami Open with a victory

Wednesday, 23 March 2022 at 18:32

Naomi Osaka started off the Miami Open in good fashion by defeating Australian Astra Sharma 6-3 6-4 in the first round.

Naomi Osaka usually does not play in the first round of the Miami Open but recent results saw he almost fall out of the top 100. She was firmly ranked inside the top 10 last year when she played at the event but it did not matter much as she was very good against Sharma. It was a much needed effortless victory for Osaka who has not played that well recently.

Her Indian Wells run was cut short and this victory will do her good moving forward. Osaka set the tone early in this match taking a 3-0 lead to start the match. It allowed her to play a bit loose moving forward and it showed in her game. Sharma had a lot of trouble keeping Osaka away from break points and Osaka had break points in every service game of the Australian.

Read also

2022 Miami Open ATP & WTA Prize Money with $8,584,055 on offer

In the end that loose style meant that Osaka left some games on the court with the final 1st set score being only 6-3. Sharma played a bit more firm in the 2nd set but once again it was Osaka who was better and by quite a distance. She took a break and held it for the rest of the 2nd set finishing off the job with 6-4. A good start for Osaka in Miami, not far from where she grew up.

José Morgado

@josemorgado

·Follow

Naomi Osaka plays a very good first match in Miami to easily beat Astra Sharma 6-3, 6-4 and reach the 2nd round. Didn't face a break point. Next? Angelique Kerber, in a match between multiple Slam champs, former #1s and future hall of famers.