On the hard courts, Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, is opening new doors. She’s just preparing herself now for the challenge of the US Open in a few weeks. Osaka can no longer blame the media, having officially split with the extraordinary tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou just last week. She’s now collaborating with Polish coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, who worked Iga Swiatek through four major victories during a fruitful six-year partnership.
Osaka’s move to replace her with a new coach follows a roller coaster stint with Mouratoglou. While they enjoyed some success together, including a title win since her return to the sport after motherhood, Osaka faced challenges such as injuries and inconsistent results. Osaka, for her part, is the world’s No. 49. This year, she has had her best success, making it to the round of 32 at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Her recent performances suggest a revival.
In Montreal, Osaka is experiencing her most promising run of the season. She has made it all the way to the quarterfinals where she will meet Elina Svitolina for a place in the final four. This recent success on Canadian soil bodes well for a potential player resurgence. She is very much looking to pick up her first WTA Tour title since her triumph at the Australian Open in 2021.
“I think being in the quarterfinals here is a step to hopefully getting to the semis and the finals, so I’ll try to treat it more like that.” – Naomi Osaka
Mouratoglou has been very transparent about the nature of his coaching Osaka. Because he thinks she just has to do more to improve her competitiveness. As a player, Marciano noted that the mental side of the sport was equally as important to finding success.
“The mental is a huge part of that sport, probably the most important part,” – Patrick Mouratoglou.
He touched on the need for coaches to support their players mentally. Tennis requires a unique combination of technical, mental and physical acumen. Mouratoglou’s vision for himself stretches far beyond that of an on-court mental coach. Yet he is deeply aware of how one might train a modern athlete like Osaka.
Mouratoglou sounded encouraged about Osaka’s game in Montreal, hoping her the best in the hardcourt event.
“She’s doing well for the moment in Montreal. Let’s hope she’s going to go all the way,” – Patrick Mouratoglou.
Osaka has been very thankful for Mouratoglou’s coaching thus far, mentioning that his blunt coaching style was just what she needed.
“He’s very direct and to the point. For someone like me, who my thoughts scatter around often, it’s very helpful,” – Naomi Osaka.
Osaka appears intent on aiming for more than just championship trophies. She wants to prioritize her quality of life. She shared one piece of advice her father once gave her that has stuck with her ever since.
“I talked to my dad, and he said, ‘Just being healthy and happy is a form of success.’ I agree with that, but I want more,” – Naomi Osaka.
As she transitions into this new phase of her career under Wiktorowski’s guidance, Osaka appears determined to pace herself while aiming for both short-term and long-term goals.
“I mean, definitely of course I would want to win slams, of course I would want to be in the top 10, but I think I need to pace myself and go for the mini goals, and they’ll eventually turn into the big goals,” – Naomi Osaka.
Osaka’s ongoing story is one of staying true to herself and remaining strong, as she approaches the challenges that professional tennis presents. Her competitive spirit has been rekindled. Her eye on her mental wellbeing and joy, she’s determined to make her way back to the top of the sport, as one of its best players.
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