Naomi Osaka had a stellar start to her season this year, reaching the final of the ASB Classic, However, an unfortunate injury forced her to withdraw from that match. Later, because of the same injury, the Japanese ace had to give a walkover to Belinda Bencic in the third round of the Australian Open as well. Although she made a return at the Indian Wells Open, her journey was cut short in the first round itself. After a first-round exit against Camila Osorio, the Japanese ace called it the “worst match I’ve ever played in my life.”

However, the Sunshine Double isn’t done yet. Osaka still has a good chance to turn it around! Can she kickstart her campaign at the 2025 Miami Open with a win against Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in the first round (R128)?

Naomi Osaka vs Yuliia Starodubtseva: Preview

Naomi Osaka, playing her first match since retiring injured from the AO, lost 6-4,6-4 to Colombia’s Camila Osorio in the first round of the Indian Wells Open. The defeat there, despite being handed an easy draw, raised a bit of concern among her fans.

Yuliia Starodubtseva, on the other hand, also had a horrid start to her season this year. She is yet to win a main draw match this season. The Ukrainian was forced to give a walkover twice – in the ASB Classic and the Merida Open Akron – because of injuries. However, despite her struggles with injuries and lack of form, she has managed to get off to a winning start in Miami.

She has already won two qualifying matches in this tournament. After defeating the German star, Tatjana Maria in the second qualifier by 6-4,6-3, can the 25-year-old Ukrainian force yet another upset against Osaka?

Osaka vs Starodubtseva: Head-to-Head

Naomi Osaka has never crossed paths with Yuliia Starodubtseva in her career before. So, at the moment their head-to-head record stand at 0-0. Who will have the last laugh in their first meeting?

Prediction: Osaka should win this match in straight sets

A fully-fit Naomi Osaka can be a real dark horse in the Miami Open. We must not forget the four-time Grand Slam champion previously reached the final here in 2022. She is currently ranked 61st in the world and has a win-loss record of 6-3. Her numbers are way better than her Ukrainian opponent this season.

Yuliia Starodubtseva (108) has so far managed to put up a win-loss record of just 1-8 this season. Considering her recent form, beating Osaka is a tough ask for her.

Talking about Starodubtseva’s playing style, her consistency in baseline rallies, and her incredible ability to grind out long matches are her biggest strengths. She is dominant on serve and formidable on return. Her exceptional court coverage and tenacity are truly praiseworthy. But her biggest concern has been the high number of double fault counts. If the 25-year-old fails to keep things tidy in this epic battle, this match might wrap up pretty quickly.

Naomi Osaka, on the other hand, is known for her aggressive, powerful tennis style, featuring a strong forehand and a powerful serve that can reach speeds up to 201 km/h. She is also known for her athleticism on the court. Her incredible grit to win longer rallies will make this contest quite interesting.

Both these players love playing longer rallies! However, there is going to be one winner at the end of the day, and looking at Osaka’s vast experience and record in this tournament, the Japanese should be able to seal the deal and advance.