Naomi Osaka progressed into the Miami round-of-16 after making a late push and edging out Hailey Baptiste 7-6 (6) 3-6 6-4, while Coco Gauff avoided any major drama after ousting Maria Sakkari 6-2 6-4.
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The Japanese, who finished as runner-up in Miami three years ago, created a big comeback in the first set after breaking back Baptiste in the 12th game to force a tie-break - in which she also saved a set point before taking a tight opener. In the third set, the former world No. 1 also faced a deficit as the 98th-ranked American was 4-2 up before the Japanese won four games in a row and sealed the win.
In three hours of play, Osaka fired 13 aces.
In the Gauff and Sakkari match, the No. 3 seed made a strong start after twice breaking her opponent in the first set. After bagging the opener, the American's intensity dropped a bit and she found herself trailing 2-4 in the second set. However, she didn't panic and still got the job done in two sets after winning the next four games.
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Who are Osaka and Gauff's next opponents in Miami?
For a place in the Miami quarterfinal, the Japanese will battle against No. 6 seed Jasmine Paolini, who was 4-3 up against Ons Jabeur today when the Tunisian was forced to retire their match. It will be the first meeting between the four-time Grand Slam champion and the Italian tennis star.
I think a fast match. Im going to expect big serve, big return and big shots, of course. I think I have to stay there every point, be solid and consistent. Not going to be easy because shes playing so fast," Paolini said of facing Osaka.
Meanwhile, Gauff awaits the winner of the match between Magda Linette and Brenda Fruhvirtova.
