WTA: Serena Williams takes down Naomi Osaka in Miami

Indian Wells champion Naomi Osaka has defeated record winner Serena Williams in two sets at the start of the WTA Premier Mandatory Tournament in Miami.

The eagerly awaited showdown in Florida ends with a bang: After her third round defeat in Indian Wells against Sister Venus, Serena Williams has to pack her bags early in Miami as well. The 23-time Grand Slam winner lost to Japan’s new tennis star Naomi Osaka 3:6 and 2:6.

Williams seemed cumbersome from the beginning, after her break from pregnancy the 36-year-old’s footwork is still far from optimal. Despite all the start-up difficulties, the eight-time Miami winner was able to work out her first break opportunity.

Osaka, who subsequently lost her nervousness, did better at 4:3: after a forced backhand error by the US-American, number 22 took the world’s first set to a safe haven with a little effort.

Even in the second act, Serena could not significantly reduce her high error rate. The loss of serve to the 1:4 set the course for victory Osaka, who ensured the deserved success with her second match point after 78 minutes.

Meanwhile, Victoria Azarenka, the other reknowned returner, has reached the second round at the Miami Open. The 28-year-old Belarusian won 6:3 and 6:0 against US star CiCi Bellis without any major problems. Next opponent for the wildcard holder is US open finalist Madison Keys.

Azarenka had celebrated her long-awaited comeback after months of a custody battle over son Leo in Indian Wells. At the BNP Parisbas Open, however, “Vika” had to say goodbye to “New York Queen” Sloane Stephens in the second round.

Here is an overview of the ladies’ entire draw.