Iga Swiatek defeats Naomi Osaka in Miami Open final to complete elusive ‘Sunshine Double’ | Tennis | Sport
Iga Swiatek has defeated Naomi Osaka to become just the fourth woman to complete the ‘Sunshine Double’, and the youngest ever. The 20-year-old will be crowned the world No 1 for the first time on Monday as a result of Ash Barty’s retirement and added the Miami Open title to her list of achievements, just two weeks after winning Indian Wells, by defeating Naomi Osaka 6-4 6-0.
The final between Osaka and Swiatek was hailed as being one of the best-case scenarios for the WTA after current world No 1 and reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion Barty retired ahead of the tournament. With Swiatek set to take hold of the top spot on Monday as a result and Osaka the last world No 1 before Barty, it was a fitting first final in the Aussie’s absence.
It was their second meeting with their first coming at the 2019 Canadian Open when the Pole was ranked at world No 65 while Osaka was No 2 and won 7-6 6-4. The four-time Major champion needed ten minutes to hold serve in an opening seven-deuce game, fending off two break points.
At 2-2 the soon-to-be-world No 1 set up a break point and converted it with a stunning cross-court forehand winner, celebrating as she took a lead over the 24-year-old. Swiatek had a chance to break again at 4-3 but Osaka held on and eventually forced the recent Indian Wells champion to close out the set 6-4 after 53 minutes.
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