Naomi Osaka seeking return to high honours as she marches on in Miami

Osaka defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in her first-round match in Miami and says that she is aiming to compete with the 'big dogs' once again, but recognises that it is a 'process.'

The former world No. 1 has had a strong start to 2025, reaching her first final since she took maternity leave in the 2023 season - losing out to Clara Tauson in Auckland.

Since then, Osaka has been dealing with an abdominal injury which forced her to retire in both that final and the fourth round of the Australian Open.

"I try to make every point count, and eventually it adds up," said the Japanese, after her Miami win.

"Thankfully I won that match, but as for Miami being my home turf, I told - well I tell everyone this, but I grew up going to Key Biscayne, and that being, like, the highlight of the year because that was the time I could see all the pros playing, and it was always such a big inspiration.

"Now I guess to be playing the tournament still feels a little crazy to me, and seeing all the little kids is so adorable. Yeah, definitely trying to stay here for as long as I can."

Osaka is clearly satisfied with her recent progress, looking significantly stronger than in 2024: "I think the thing I'm most proud of is my movement. I think I was able to get a lot of balls back today.

"I don't think I've in my head thought to rely on my wheels in a really long time. So I'm really glad I've gotten to this point in my fitness. It's been quite a long journey post-pregnancy. I'm really happy about that.

"Working on I guess not being as nervous. I feel like some of my shots didn't go the way I wanted them to because I was a little shaky, so hopefully with more matches under my belt that will go away."

Osaka gave birth to her daughter, Shai, in July 2023 with rapper Conrae - eventually making her comeback in Brisbane in 2024.

Her effort to come back to the highest level of women's tennis is an admirable one and something which Osaka has sought inspiration for from other mothers.

"Definitely it was a little bit of a letdown to be injured right at the start of the season, especially when I thought I was playing pretty well. I think my nerves have to do with that," said Osaka.

"I want to play with the big dogs so bad, and I just see everyone playing so well, and I want to do the same, but I have to remember it's a process.

"I can't speak for all the mothers, but for me in particular it was really hard to come back after pregnancy. I've learned a lot of abdomen terms that I've never heard of before, so I feel very knowledgeable now.

"Yeah, I'm just really, really glad to be here and really glad to be healthy. It's really inspiring to see all the other mothers playing really well."

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