Swiatek tops Osaka in straight sets to win Miami Open
Sports Desk, Apr 2 (EFE).- Poland’s Iga Swiatek beat Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-0 Saturday to win the Miami Open for her third straight WTA 1000 title.
The 20-year-old is only the fourth woman to post consecutive victories in the Indian Wells and Miami events, an accomplishment known as the “Sunshine Double” because the tournaments are played in California and Florida, respectively.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka, who entered the tournament ranked 77th in the world after an extended title drought and battles with depression and anxiety, will take encouragement from reaching the final and is sure to climb back into the top 50 when the new rankings are announced next week.
Saturday’s first set was a battle, but Swiatek took command in the second to extend her winning streak to 17 matches.
“I want to dedicate this one to all the people that support me, my fans,” Osaka said afterward with the second-place trophy in her hands. “I know this isn’t the outcome you guys wanted, but I’m having fun up here.”
“This sport is better with you,” Swiatek told Osaka, a former world No. 1.
Swiatek will claim that honor when the new rankings are released due to reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion Ashleigh Barty’s surprise decision last week to retire from the sport at age 25. EFE
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