Naomi Osaka has faced challenges in regaining her previous form after her pregnancy hiatus, which kept her off the tennis tour for over a year. Despite the struggles, the Japanese star remains optimistic and has made significant changes to her coaching staff to rejuvenate her career. Osaka recently joined forces with Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams, in a move that has drawn attention from the tennis community.
Previously, Osaka had worked with Belgian coach Wim Fissette, who guided her during some of her most successful moments, including winning the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open. The pair reunited after Osaka returned to the tour in July 2023 following the birth of her daughter, Shai. However, their renewed partnership did not yield the desired results, prompting Osaka to explore a fresh approach.
Osaka and Mouratoglou began their partnership during the Asian swing of the tour, debuting at the China Open. Unfortunately, her campaign was cut short due to injury. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Osaka has shifted her focus to the ASB Classic in Auckland. During a pre-tournament press conference, she opened up about her decision to switch coaches. She explained that Mouratoglou’s dynamic and assertive personality contrasts with her shy demeanor, but she sees this as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. “The coaching change happened right before the Asian swing,” she shared. “With Patrick, he has such a big persona. I’m quite a shy person, so just getting to know him and trusting him… I think we’ve been able to do that a lot more this tournament.”
Osaka’s ranking has also been a topic of discussion. Finishing 2024 at World No. 58, she acknowledged the challenges of returning to top form after her prolonged absence. She hinted that her continued participation in professional tennis depends on achieving a certain ranking. Speaking candidly, Osaka stated, “I don’t think I’m the type of player that would hang around. The point of my life that I’m at right now, if I’m not above a certain ranking, I don’t see myself playing for a while. I’d rather spend time with my daughter if I’m not where I think I should be.”
Osaka also reflected on the lessons of the past year, describing 2024 as a humbling experience that taught her resilience and adaptability. She expressed excitement for the upcoming season, feeling hopeful about the progress she has made. Her first match in Auckland pits her against Israeli qualifier Lina Glushko for a spot in the Round of 16. The tournament serves as a crucial opportunity for Osaka to regain momentum before the Australian hard-court swing.
As fans and analysts speculate on her future, many are eager to see if Mouratoglou’s guidance can help Osaka reclaim her position among the world’s elite players. Whether this new coaching partnership will reignite her career remains a central question as she begins the 2025 season.