Naomi Osaka beats Astra Sharma in straight sets at Miami Open in first match since being heckled at Indian Wells

Naomi Osaka powered past world No. 96 Astra Sharma in the first round of the Miami Open to rack up her 50th WTA 1000 win. The 24-year-old looked comfortable throughout, beating Australia’s Sharma 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 20 minutes.

Ad/> Osaka had too much for Sharma from the first rally and won without conceding a break of serve. As confidence grew, she was pressing forwards and by the end of the match was attacking Sharma’s service well inside the baseline. TennisSerena on retirement: I don't know when it will happen5 HOURS AGO The first set whipped by as Osaka ticked off routine service games.

She won 100 per cent of her first serve points in the first set and gave up just three on her second. 'Disturbing and heartbraking' — Chris Evert on hecklers and Naomi Osaka 'It's the right time' — Barbara Schett is not surprised by Ash Barty retirement Despite the dominance, she could not find a way past a determined Sharma, who had saved six out of seven break points in the first set and nine overall. Osaka broke early in the second set with a fine smash that seemed just to ease some of the tension starting to creep into her game.

What followed was the first signs of frustration from Sharma as she palmed two simple returns into the base of the net, looking overwhelmed as Osaka’ backed up her break in a flash. Sharma had been finding some joy against the second serve as Osaka tried to put too much behind it when placement would have sufficed against limited opposition. Sharma did have her moments.

A lunging forehand response to a viciously angled drive from Osaka the pic of her shots. But she always looked a step or two behind the pace, despite improving as the match ran on. The 26-year-old saved three match points with the