Miami Open 2025: Naomi Osaka battles back from the brink as Aryna Sabalenka gets walkover win

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Naomi Osaka claimed a spirited victory over Hailey Baptiste to seal her place in round three of the Miami Open. Osaka, who reached the final in Miami three years ago, was staring down the barrel of an early exit when she went a break down in the deciding set.

Yet the former world number one rallied back to win four straight games and prevail 7-6 (8-6) 3-6 6-4. The four-time major winner squandered her first match point with a weak forehand into the net, yet after saving game point, she made no such mistake with her next opportunity to clinch the win, nailing a cross-court backhand that Baptiste could not return.

Next up for Osaka is fourth seed Jasmine Paolini, who overcame Ons Jabeur after the Tunisian retired due to a left leg injury. "She's such a great person and to see her injured on the court," Paolini said. "I hope she's going to be back soon."

World number one Aryna Sabalenka also benefitted from a walkover. She had won the first set 6-1 when her opponent Elena-Gabriela Ruse succumbed to a thigh issue.

Coco Gauff, meanwhile, made light work of Maria Sakkari, requiring just 77 minutes to triumph 6-2 6-4 and seal her place in the last 16.

Data Debrief: Milestone up for Gauff as Sabalenka matches Serena

Gauff has now won 75 matches at WTA 1000 level. She is the youngest player to secure 75 main draw wins in WTA 1000 events since the format's introduction in 2009.

With her success, Sabalenka reached the round of 16 at a WTA 1000 tournament for the 36th time, seeing her draw level with the tallies of Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic. At 26, the Belarusian still has plenty of miles left in the tank, too.