Serena Williams’s comeback from the birth of her first child has taken another setback after the 23-time grand slam-winner was knocked out of the Miami Open, then stormed away from the venue. The former world no. 1, unseeded after taking 13 months maternity leave, was convincingly beaten in straight sets by Japan’s Naomi Osaka on Wednesday (Mar 21).
Serena Williams was knocked out of the Miami Open in the first round by Naomi Osaka as the 23-time Grand Slam winner continues her return after pregnancy. Serena, unseeded after taking 13 months off to have her first child, was beaten 6-3 6-2 by the Japanese, 20.
The American lost serve twice in each set and was unable to break back. Her defeat comes after the Miami Open director said seeding rules for players coming back after maternity leave were a "punishment" and "should be changed".
Osaka is herself also unseeded but last week claimed her maiden title at Indian Wells to move up to 22 in the world. Her powerful serve and relentless returning proved too much for Serena, who was broken at 3-3 and 5-3 in the first set and again at 3-1 in the second.
Osaka clinched victory when Serena sprayed a wide open forehand long, and will now face world number four Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the second round.
Serena, 36, made her return to the WTA Tour at Indian Wells earlier this month, losing to sister Venus in the third round. She has no official ranking, which means she cannot be seeded for WTA events.
However, she can gain entry to eight tournaments in 12 months - including two Grand Slams - with her protected world number one ranking.
