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Naomi Osaka played her best tennis again against Angelique Kerber
Photo: Rebecca Blackwell/AP
Angelique Kerber was eliminated in the last 64 of the Tennis Masters in Miami - albeit against a prominent opponent: Kerber, who was 13th, was beaten 2: 6, 3: 6 by the Japanese world-class player Naomi Osaka after an hour.
For Kerber, it was the third opening defeat in the fourth tournament in 2022, only at the Masters in Indian Wells did Germany's best tennis player achieve a partial success by reaching the round of 16.
Osaka, who made her depression public in 2021 and then took a break from professional sports, was recently looking for her form.
In Indian Wells, the 24-year-old was already in tears in round two after a spectator's interjection had upset her.
There was no longer any sign of uncertainty in Miami.
"She's the first high-ranking player I've beaten this year," said Osaka after the sovereign victory in the duel between the two former world number ones.
"I still have memories of all the matches in which she beat me before." It was only the second of six direct comparisons against Kerber that Osaka was able to win.
In the sixteenth final of the hard court tournament, which is worth around 8.6 million US dollars, Osaka now meets the Czech Karolína Muchová.
It is already clear that after the surprising end of Ashleigh Barty's career after the Miami Open, there will be a new woman at the top of the WTA world rankings.
Osaka still has no chance of returning to the top spot after their long break.
The 20-year-old Pole Iga Świątek, who will start the tournament on Friday, has the best prospects for number one.
Spain's Paula Badosa also has a mathematical chance, but should win the tournament and hope for an opening defeat for Świątek.
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