Former double Masters 1000 champion Andy Murray advanced to the second round of the tournament in Florida after defeating Italy’s Matteo Berrettini 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Murray commented that there is “still life in this old dog”, expressing satisfaction after a gruelling 2-hours-and-48-minutes match. Berrettini initially took the lead, however, he began to struggle after an injury hiatus of six and a half months due to an ankle injury. Subsequent bouts of dizziness meant he needed medical attention, yet was able to finish the game.
The former world number 6, now ranked 142, is 27 and seemed to hold up well in the final set. However, Murray (the 62nd world player) still managed to secure the win in 2h48. The British player reported that he played well from the middle of the first set to the end. In the next round, he will face Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry (ranked 30 in the world).
On the women’s side, former world number 1 Naomi Osaka also progressed to the second round, defeating another Italian, Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-3, 6-4. Currently ranked 229th, Osaka has returned after a break to start a family. This is her first time back in Miami since her defeat against Iga Swiatek in 2022. She saw this latest game as an indication of her form since her WTA return in Brisbane, January of this year.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka has participated in six tournaments (including Miami) since her return. Her best result was a quarter-final at the WTA 1000 in Doha in February. In the second round, Osaka will go against Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina, also a mother and a top-20 player after a year’s break. Osaka admired Svitolina’s tenacity, recalling her performance at Wimbledon and hopes to reach that stage one day.
Other noteworthy games include an all Grand Slam champions match where Sloane Stephens defeated Angelique Kerber 6-2, 6-3. Stephens will next face Romanian player Sorana Cirstea. Among the French competitors, Luca Van Assche beat Russian Pavel Kotov with a score of 6-3, 7-5, while Arthur Fils was defeated by Italian Matteo Arnaldi scoring 6-3, 6-4. Lastly, Russia’s Maria Timofeeva ousted Varvara Gracheva of France with a 6-3, 6-3 win.
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12 Comments
Should they add more tournaments in Miami for the tennis season?
Why does Osaka always seem to dominate in Miami? Is it the weather? 🎾☀️
Osakas dominance in Miami has nothing to do with the weather. Its all about her skill, determination, and mental strength on the court. Shes just a force to be reckoned with, plain and simple. Weather cant take credit for her success.
Can Murray make a comeback? Osakas power is unmatched. Exciting times ahead in Miami!
Murrays determination is unmatched too. Never count him out. Osaka may have power, but Murrays experience and skill cant be underestimated. Miami is in for a thrilling showdown! Lets see who comes out on top.
Is it just me or does Osakas backhand seem unbeatable lately? 🎾🔥
I think Osakas backhand slice was on fire! Murray needs to up his game.
Osakas backhand slice was indeed impressive, but lets not overlook Murrays strengths. Every player has their own style and strategy. Its all part of the game. Lets appreciate the diversity on the court and enjoy the match for what it is.
Murrays comeback is impressive, but Osakas dominance steals the show. Agree or disagree?
Why is Osaka always underestimated? Shes a force to be reckoned with.
Osaka is constantly underestimated because some people cant handle her power and success. Shes a threat to the status quo, and that makes them uncomfortable. But shell keep proving them wrong with her skills and determination. Osaka is a true force to be reckoned with, no doubt.
Do Murray and Osaka have what it takes to dominate the Miami court?