**Naomi Osaka Advances to the Miami Open Third Round with Victory Over Liudmila Samsonova**
Naomi Osaka continued her strong run at the Miami Open, securing a solid 6-2, 6-4 victory over 24th seed Liudmila Samsonova to advance to the third round. The four-time Grand Slam champion looked sharp from the start, playing with confidence and precision as she claimed her eighth win of the 2025 season.
Osaka started the match with intensity, dominating the first set with her powerful groundstrokes and strong serving. She broke Samsonova early, keeping the pressure on and showcasing the aggressive style that has made her one of the most feared players on tour. Her movement and shot selection were on point, allowing her to control rallies and dictate play. Samsonova, known for her heavy ball-striking, struggled to find answers against Osaka’s consistency and well-placed shots.
While the first set was relatively straightforward, the second set proved to be more competitive. Samsonova raised her level, pushing Osaka with deeper returns and better service games. However, the Japanese star held her nerve, staying composed in the key moments to close out the match in straight sets. Despite some tense moments in the second set, Osaka maintained her focus and sealed the win in just over an hour and a half.
Earlier this week, Osaka expressed her desire to compete with the “big dogs” of the WTA Tour, emphasizing her goal to challenge the best players in the world. If she continues to perform at this level, there’s no doubt she will have plenty of opportunities to do just that. With her powerful baseline game and improved mental toughness, she is once again proving why she remains a formidable force on tour.
This victory marks her eighth win of the 2025 season, reinforcing her strong comeback after maternity leave. She has been playing with renewed confidence and is looking more comfortable with each match. Fans are excited to see how far she can go in Miami, where she has historically played well.
As Osaka moves into the third round, she will face an even bigger challenge. But if she maintains this level of play, she has a real shot at making a deep run in the tournament. Japan’s tennis icon is back, playing some stunning tennis, and she’s ready to take on the best once again. 🇯🇵❤️