Naomi OSAKA’s powerful display and claims victory over Liudmila SAMSONOVA

Naomi Osaka scores a significant victory over the 14th seed Liudmila Samsonova, winning 7-5, 6-3 and advancing to the third round of Indian Wells. The 2018 champion secured her second win over a top-15 player since her return to the tour earlier this year (she defeated Caroline Garcia at the Qatar Open).

The former world No. 1 returned to Tennis Paradise after missing out last year due to her pregnancy and had already defeated Sara Errani (No. 100) in the first round. Samsonova entered as the 14th seed, although in inconsistent form, exiting in the first round of four out of her six tournaments this year.

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The Japanese player started the match at a high level, winning 14 of the first 16 points, taking an early break, and leading 3-0. Samsonova struggled against Osaka's powerful shots from the baseline and had difficulties in playing longer points.

Attempting a more aggressive game, the Russian managed to win the next four games consecutively, seizing two of the three break opportunities she had and serving to take the set. In a tense end to the set, Osaka took the initiative, securing two consecutive breaks to close the set 7-5.

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In the second set, Samsonova displayed more confidence with her serve, but in the fourth game, Osaka applied pressure to secure a new break on her third opportunity, establishing a 3-1 lead. Towards the end of the set, she had to save a break point against her, ultimately winning the match 7-5, 6-3 from her service.

The four-time Grand Slam champion advances to the third round of a WTA 1000 for the first time since the 2022 Miami Open, where she was the runner-up, falling to Iga Swiatek. Osaka's next challenge will be against the 24th seed Elise Mertens.

Myles David

@TunedIntoTennis

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Oh how Naomi Osaka was missed

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