Naomi Osaka opened up about her initial hesitations in hiring Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams’ former coach, after parting ways with Wim Fissette. Despite Mouratoglou’s success with Williams, Osaka admitted that his “big persona” made her reluctant at first.

“I think the fact that he was Serena’s coach for me made me want to avoid him just because his persona is so big,” Osaka shared. However, after meeting and working with Mouratoglou, she changed her mind. “He absolutely is a really good coach. I’m really glad that he’s taking this project on as well.”

Osaka emphasized her desire to make long-term commitments and learn as much as possible at this stage of her career. “I don’t want to have regrets. I like the way he coaches. I think it’s going to be really interesting.”

Despite their progress, Osaka confessed to still feeling shy around Mouratoglou. “I kind of look to the floor when he looks at me, but I’m getting a little more comfortable day by day,” she admitted.

Osaka in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2024

Currently the world no.73, Osaka achieved an overall 20-17 record in 2024. The Japanese is playing in Beijing where she defeated the world no.77 Lucia Bronzetti 6-3 6-2.

Naomi Osaka will play the world no.719 Anna Danilina in the . They have never competed against each other up to now in top events.

Osaka won 7 titles in her career: all of them conquered on hard courts. (See the list of her titles)