Naomi Osaka grateful to be back after 'a little minute' as she praises fans, team and Iga Swiatek at 2022 Miami Open

Naomi Osaka paid tribute to Iga Swiatek, the Miami Open fans and her own team as she lost in the final of the Miami Open on Saturday. Osaka made a decent fist of the first set despite losing it 6-4, but could not resist the 20-year-old Pole as she battered her 6-0 in the second to claim victory, her third ranking tournament of the season. Ad/> The return to a final marks an important step for Osaka as she struggled to find peace with herself after stepping away from the sport in 2021.

WTA MiamiSwiatek shocked at ‘mental toughness’ after Sunshine Double victoryAN HOUR AGO The four-time Grand Slam winner withdrew from the French Open after deciding she did not want to speak to the press as part of the event, a withdrawal which extended to the summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo. Speaking after the match in Miami, she said: “Firstly I wanna dedicate this one to all the people who support me and my fans, I haven’t been in this position for a little minute. “I know this isn’t the outcome you guys wanted but I had a lot of fun and I’ll work hard to have more opportunities like this again.” She also praised Swiatek, who will be confirmed as the new women’s No.

1 on Monday following the retirement of Ashleigh Barty. Dominant Swiatek sweeps aside Osaka in Miami Open ahead of No.1 ranking Swiatek: 'Body feels great' as she prepares for Miami final against Osaka Medvedev doubtful for French Open due to hernia surgery “I want to congratulate Iga. I was just thinking yesterday about when I had that dinner with you in Australia: watching that journey has been incredible.