Barty beats Stosur in Miami, Osaka out

Ashleigh Barty has progressed to the fourth of the Miami Open after winning her All-Australian showdown against Samantha Stosur in straight sets.

In the second career meeting between the two players, it was the nation’s top-ranked player who came out on top against former US Open champion Stosur, earning a comprehensive 6-0 6-3 win in 58 minutes.

But Miami-raised Japanese world No.1 Naomi Osaka was sent spinning to a crushing loss when unorthodox Taiwanese 27th seeded Hsieh Su-wei defeated her in three absorbing sets, 4-6 7-6(4) 6-3.

Elsewhere, world No.2 Petra Kvitova was extended to three sets before the Czech overcame Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the third round.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova finally prevailed 6-4 3-6 6-4 in the clash between two heavy hitters, requiring more than two-and-a-half hours. Kvitova, the third seed, will next meet France’s Caroline Garcia.

Garcia had earlier knocked out 15th seed Julia Goerges, of Germany, 6-0 7-5.

Serena Williams, meanwhile, has withdrawn from the Miami event with a left knee injury, tournament officials said on Saturday. It is the second consecutive WTA event in which the American has been unable to continue, after her retirement from last week’s Indian Wells event with illness.

“I hope to be back next year to play at this one-of-a-kind tournament in front of the incredible fans here,” the 36-year-old Williams said.

Former world No.1 Williams, an eight-time Miami Open winner, showed no signs of injury while winning her opener against Swede Rebecca Peterson 6-3 1-6 6-1.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!