Naomi Osaka Embarks on New Journey with Serena Williams’ Former Coach

Naomi Osaka has long expressed her admiration for Serena Williams, and now she’s stepping into a new chapter of her career by partnering with Williams’ former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou. This collaboration kicked off successfully at the China Open, where Osaka defeated Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti in straight sets during her first-round match.

Mouratoglou is renowned for his work with elite athletes, having guided Williams to an impressive 10 Grand Slam titles and a career Golden Slam, which includes all four Grand Slam championships and an Olympic gold medal. His experience extends to the men’s circuit as well, where he has coached stars like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune.

Despite her excitement about this new partnership, Osaka admitted she felt some initial hesitation about working with Mouratoglou. “The fact that he was Serena’s coach made me want to avoid him because his persona is so big,” she explained to reporters. This sentiment stemmed from uncertainty about whether he would be a good fit for her.

However, after meeting Mouratoglou and spending time with him on the court, Osaka quickly changed her perspective. “He absolutely is a really good coach. I’m really glad that he’s taking this project on,” she shared, highlighting her growing comfort with him.

Osaka noted that she still feels a bit nervous around Mouratoglou. “I look to the floor when he looks at me. I think I need a lot more time to spend together with him. I’m getting a little more comfortable day by day,” she said. This acknowledgment of nerves reflects her desire to build a strong working relationship.

After taking maternity leave, Osaka made her return to competitive tennis earlier this year and currently holds the 73rd spot in the world rankings. Her comeback season has had its ups and downs. Notable highlights include winning her first match back, securing her first Wimbledon victory since 2018, and reaching the quarterfinals at a WTA 1000 event. However, she has also faced challenges, revealing in an Instagram post that she sometimes feels disconnected from her own body and is missing shots she would typically make with ease.

With her new partnership with Mouratoglou, Osaka is optimistic about regaining her former form and aiming for the top once again. “I try not to get into relationships with people for the short-term. I try to think of it as a long-term commitment. I like the way he coaches,” she stated, indicating her commitment to this collaboration.

Osaka’s decision to work with Mouratoglou reflects her broader ambition to not only improve her game but also to embrace the challenges of returning to professional tennis. The journey ahead is filled with potential, and with a seasoned coach by her side, she is eager to tackle the obstacles that come her way.

As she continues to adapt to life back on tour, Osaka’s growth both as a player and an individual will be under scrutiny. Fans are keen to see how this new partnership unfolds, particularly in light of Mouratoglou’s proven track record with elite athletes.

In the coming months, the tennis world will be watching closely as Osaka seeks to blend her unique talent with Mouratoglou’s coaching philosophy. The combination has the potential to reignite her competitive spirit and lead to further successes on the court. For Osaka, this partnership isn’t just about winning matches; it’s also about personal growth and rediscovering her passion for the game.

As she embarks on this new journey, the excitement surrounding Osaka’s future is palpable. With a strong foundation of support and a commitment to her long-term goals, she is poised to make a significant impact in the world of tennis once more.