Naomi Osaka`s impressive run at the Miami Open continued on Saturday with a victory over wildcard Hailey Baptiste. Osaka won the match 7-6 (6), 3-6, 6-4, securing her third win in the tournament, which equals her personal best performance at this event. This win sets up an intriguing Round of 16 match for Osaka.
For the first time this season, the four-time Grand Slam champion is set to face a Top 10 opponent. She will play against No. 6 seed Jasmine Paolini on Monday. A victory against Paolini would mark Osaka’s best result at a WTA 1000 tournament since her return from maternity leave 15 months ago, matching her quarterfinal appearance in Doha last February.
Baptiste, currently ranked No. 98, was leading with a break and serving at 4-3 in the third set when Osaka broke back on her third break point opportunity. In that game, Baptiste attempted a serve and volley on a second serve, but her volley went wide, leveling the score.
After comfortably holding her serve, Osaka broke Baptiste`s serve for the fifth time in the match to seal the victory.
Osaka served a total of 13 aces during the match. Combined with Baptiste`s 9 aces, they totaled 22 aces, the most in a women`s match in Miami this year.
Paolini Advances
Earlier in the day, Jasmine Paolini also advanced to the Round of 16. Her opponent, Ons Jabeur, retired from their match due to a left leg injury when Paolini was leading 4-3 in the first set.
“She’s such a great person and it`s tough to see her injured on the court,” Paolini said after the match. “I hope she’s going to be back soon.”
This victory is Paolini’s first against a Top 30 player after losing her previous five such encounters. Last year was a breakthrough year for Paolini, highlighted by reaching the finals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. While those achievements were unexpected then, this year expectations are different.
“In Miami it is still a bit of a surprise,” she said with a laugh. “I am happy to be in the fourth round – I have never won two matches here before.”
The upcoming match against Osaka could be a significant challenge. Paolini is aware of what to expect from Osaka, even though they have never played or practiced together.
“I think it will be a fast-paced match,” Paolini said about facing Osaka. “I anticipate big serves, strong returns and powerful shots, of course. I think I need to be present on every point, playing consistently and solidly. It’s not going to be easy because she plays with such speed.”
