Naomi Osaka has embarked on an exciting new chapter in her career by partnering with Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams. Their collaboration got off to a strong start at the China Open, where Osaka won her first-round match against Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti in straight sets.
Mouratoglou, known for his successful coaching of Williams—whom he guided to 10 Grand Slam titles—brings a wealth of experience, having also worked with top men’s players like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune. Despite her admiration for Williams, Osaka initially felt hesitant about working with Mouratoglou, citing his significant reputation and wondering about his coaching abilities.
After their first interactions, Osaka expressed her appreciation for Mouratoglou’s coaching style, saying, “I’m really glad that he’s taking this project on.” She admitted to feeling a bit nervous around him but is gradually becoming more comfortable.
Having returned to competitive tennis this year after maternity leave, Osaka currently ranks 73rd in the world. While she has had some high points—such as a victory in her first match back and a quarterfinal appearance at a WTA 1000 event—she’s also faced challenges adjusting to life on tour. In a recent Instagram post, she shared feelings of disconnection from her performance.
Looking forward, Osaka is optimistic that her partnership with Mouratoglou will help her regain her top form, emphasizing her commitment to a long-term relationship with him as her coach. “I think it’s going to be really interesting,” she said, hinting at the potential for growth and success ahead.