MIAMI, Fla.—Naomi Osaka said she is swinging “free” and getting back that winning feeling after she charged past world No. 51 Elisabetta Cocciaretto on Wednesday night in Miami.
The four-time Grand Slam champion hit six aces and didn’t face a single break point en route to 6-3, 6-4 victory in just 78 minutes, booking a place in the second round.
“Honestly, this is probably the most free that I was able to hit my balls, like, the closest to the feeling I want to capture going forward,” Osaka said in her post-match press conference. “I would say this is probably my best match in terms of shot-making. I felt like the balls I wanted to hit were there. Yeah, I'm pretty happy with this one.”
“I honestly came out probably playing or swinging the best that I have in, I guess, since I have been back,” she added.
With her mom and sister watching on, Osaka took the court at Hard Rock Stadium for the first time since her run to the final here in 2022. That year, Osaka shut down her season early as she dealt with injuries before announcing that she was expecting her first child. Two years on and with baby Shai a constant source of motivation, Osaka has been keen to enjoy herself more on the court and use her time wisely. (“Even Wim [Fissette] says I’m a lot more professional now!” she joked during Media Day.)