WTA Miami news - Naomi Osaka beats Ajla Tomljanovic in first match since winning the Australian Open

Second seed Naomi Osaka is through to the third round after a hard-fought victory over Ajla Tomljanovic, Also on Friday, two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza beat Xinyu Wang 6-4 6-1, sixth seed Karolina Pliskova beat Saisai Zheng 6-2 6-1 and 16th seed Elise Mertens overcame Britain’s Katie Boulter 6-4 6-1.

Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka enjoyed her return to action for the first time since winning the Melbourne Slam, beating Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic 7-6(3) 6-4.

After receiving a first-round bye, Osaka twice recovered from a break down to beat the world number 77 in one hour and 38 minutes to continue her excellent run of form.

The 23-year-old has not lost in over a year, having also won the US Open for the second time in 2020.

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Osaka will next play Nina Stojanovic, who beat Yulia Putintseva 5-7 7-5 6-2, in the third round.

‘Serena intimidates me’ – Osaka’s AO win through her eyes

Video credit: TNT Sports

"This is my first match since Australia, so I just really wanted to play well," Osaka said post-match.

"I think for me, today I served really well when I needed to.

"Unfortunately I got broken a couple of times, but I think when it really, really mattered, I was able to serve well, so I’m happy with that."

Naomi Osaka Top 5: Best shots from the champion at the 2021 Australian Open

Video credit: TNT Sports

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