Naomi Osaka survived a first-round scare at the Miami Open, coming from behind to beat Yuliia Starodubtseva to advance in the tournament.

Osaka was knocked out in the first round of Indian Wells two weeks ago and came from a set and a break down to triumph 3-6 6-4 6-3 in two hours and 28 minutes.

The 27-year-old started poorly as Starodubtseva surged into a 5-0 lead following back-to-back breaks of serve.

Though Osaka rallied to win the next three games in a row, the Ukrainian was able to take the first set at the second time of asking.

Starodubtseva took control with another vital break in the fifth game of the second set and looked in control at 4-2 up, but Osaka dug deep to string together another streak, reeling off the next four games to force a decider.

The Japanese broke to love to make it 3-1 and, after saving two break points to hold her serve in the following game, she was able to get over the line.

Osaka will face Liudmila Samsonova in the next round.

Comeback QUEEN! @naomiosaka fights back to defeat Starodubtsewa in a three set battle! #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/LFQqsY6yHt

— wta (@WTA) March 18, 2025

Data Debrief: Going the distance

Things were not looking good for Osaka midway through the second set, but she changed her fortunes at the right time. She is now 4-0 in three-set matches this year.

Despite a poor first set, Osaka was largely strong on her serve. She hit 10 aces and won 75% of her first-serve points (38/51).

She also successfully defended seven of the 10 break points she faced, while converting 50% the other way (4/8).