Naomi Osaka, the former top seed in the world, has been making waves in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) circuit with a triumphant return to form. After a stellar performance at the Miami Open, Osaka confidently declared that she is “better” than her 2021 self.
Osaka proved her mettle in a gruelling match against American wildcard Hailey Baptiste, which she won 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-4. This marathon match, which lasted a whopping two hours and 59 minutes, marked the longest victory of Osaka’s career and underscored her resurgence since the Auckland Open held in January.
Unfortunately, Osaka’s journey since the Auckland Open has been anything but smooth. She was forced to withdraw from the Auckland final due to injury and later bowed out in the third round of the Australian Open. Her comeback match at Indian Wells also ended in defeat. However, the tide seems to be turning for Osaka at the Miami Open, where she has triumphed over Yuliia Starodubtseva and 24th seed Liudmila Samsonova, culminating in her memorable win against Baptiste.
Despite these recent victories, one cannot overlook the fact that Osaka is yet to secure a WTA title since her 2021 Australian Open win, which marked her fourth Grand Slam. Post this victory, the 27-year-old took several breaks from the sport, first to focus on her mental health and later, to welcome motherhood. The entire 2023 season was missed due to her pregnancy.
Osaka’s comeback post-maternity leave in 2024 was riddled with form and injury issues. However, under the expert guidance of coach Patrick Mouratoglou, she seems to be back in the groove, holding a commendable 9-3 record for 2025. Osaka herself believes that she is in better shape than ever before.
Reflecting on her journey, Osaka said, “Honestly, I feel like I’m better than 2021. I think I’m definitely faster than 2021. Fitness-wise [I’m] definitely the best I’ve been in a couple of years, for sure. This year, I’ve played already a couple of scrappy matches. I think the fight kind of got me over it.”
Looking ahead, Osaka is set to meet sixth seed Jasmine Paolini in the fourth round of the Miami Open. Paolini, currently ranked world No. 7, has had a mixed season so far, holding an 11-5 record for 2025. The two women will meet for the first time, with the victor set to face either third seed Coco Gauff or Magda Linette in the quarterfinals.
Osaka’s performance at the Miami Open has already secured her a significant jump in the WTA Rankings. The player, who was ranked No. 61, has moved up five places to No. 56. Should she defeat Paolini, it is projected that she will amass 1,144 ranking points, potentially propelling her back into the top 50.
As the Miami Open unfolds, tennis fans worldwide eagerly anticipate whether Osaka’s self-proclaimed ‘better’ form will hold up against the stiff competition that lies ahead.