Osaka credits improved serve for win in Miami opener

World No.2 Naomi Osaka kept her winning streak alive on Friday, as she overcame Alja Tomljanovic to advance to the third round of the Miami Open.

The reigning Australian Open needed an hour and 38 minutes to prevail in a 7-6(3) 6-4 victory, extending her extraordinary winning streak to 22 matches.

"This is my first match since Australia, so I just really wanted to play well," Osaka said in her post-match interview. "I kind of feel like I’m at home here, because I grew up near here for most of my life."

Osaka's last defeat came in February 2020, losing to Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo on clay during the Billie Jean King Cup. However, the second seed was in spectacular form on Friday, as she hit an astounding 13 aces to help her win 81% of her first serve points.

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

The Japanese superstar will face in-form Serbian Nina Stojanovic for a spot in the round of 16, as the qualifier saved two match points to upset the 26th-seeded Yulia Putintseva 5-7 7-5 6-2 earlier in the day.

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