WATCH: “Barbie” Naomi Osaka’s heartwarming meet-up with a young fan is sure to melt your heart

Naomi Osaka to play Elina Svitolina in the 'battle of mothers'.

WATCH: “Barbie” Naomi Osaka’s heartwarming meet-up with a young fan is sure to melt your heart

(In circle) Naomi Osaka gives a hug to a fan at the Miami Open (Via Imago/X)

Naomi Osaka showed great empathy to a big fan with a heartwarming hug following her first-round match at the Miami Open. The tournament’s 2022 quarterfinalist returned to Miami as a mother after being away last year.

Osaka has been impressive since her return to the WTA as a mother. Competing in five tournaments this season and reaching the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open is proof of how much she’s getting back in form. At the Miami Open, she showed class again by defeating Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the first round.

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However, despite an impressive victory on the court, her influence was more felt by some fans who came to watch her. After her first-round match, some fans waited till she was done with her on-court interview before calling her for autographs. A young fan holding an Osaka Barbie handed the doll to the Japanese ace for signature which she obliged.

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The young fan couldn’t contain the tears of emotions at having his idol so close to him as Osaka went on to hug him. The wholesome moment ended with other fans losing their minds to take a selfie with the Grand Slam winner.

On the business end of things, the former World No.1 will be hoping to do better than she did in Indian Wells where she got eliminated in the third round. The 26-year-old, who is ranked No.229, will be leapfrogged to the Top 200 with a good run in Miami.

Naomi Osaka to play Elina Svitolina in the second round of the Miami Open

Naomi Osaka will face Elina Svitolina in what is termed the ‘battle of mothers’ in the second round of the Miami Open. Osaka showed confidence by defeating World No.51 Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-3, 6-4 in the first round.

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Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka (Images via Imago)

It was a resounding victory for the Japanese, knowing the Italian had arrived in Miami from her victory at the WTA 125 tournament in Charleston. She won 83% of her first serve and 85% of the second serve to end the match in an hour and eight minutes.

The last time Osaka and Svitolina met was at the 2019 Australian Open quarterfinals which Osaka won. Both women will be hoping to put in their best performance to win the match. Elina Svitolina, who has been remarkable this season reaching the Auckland final, will be hoping for her first title in Miami.

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