After their first tournament together concluded, Naomi Osaka’s new coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, had some heartfelt words for the Japanese player and her team. The pair made their collaboration debut at the ongoing Beijing China Open.
This year marked Osaka’s comeback to the court after a lengthy absence due to pregnancy. She reconnected with her former coach, Wim Fissette, who had controversially broken up with Zheng Qinwen to reunite with the Japanese.
The four-time Grand Slam champion’s comeback, though, hasn’t been the best. She hasn’t been the same person throughout the season, despite a few high points perhaps. The Japanese chose to appoint Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams, in lieu of Fissette after considering these outcomes.
After their first campaign together, Mouratoglou took to Instagram to write a note for the Japanese, sharing his thoughts on his experience working with Osaka thus far.
Mouratoglou wrote on Instagram: “It’s been our first tournament together with @naomiosaka, and it was so rich in terms of learning. From the practice sessions to the warm-ups on match days, to all the preparations and the match briefings and debriefings, I got so much to learn about her. I also got to spend time with the amazing team around her: @florian.zitz, @simone._.elliott, @matizukas.”
He added: “I am really proud of all her efforts, her focus, and her willingness to learn and progress. It’s the best attitude to be in a growth process. Now is the time to heal and get ready for new challenges.”
Naomi Osaka in 2024
Currently ranked no.73, Naomi played her last match on the 1st of October when she had to retire when playing against world no.6 Cori Gauff in the 4th round and the scoreline was 3-6 6-4 .
Until now, during this year Naomi owns a 22-18 record.
Naomi Osaka will play the world no.719 Anna Danilina in the . In the past, they have never competed against each other till now on the main tour.
The Japanese won 7 titles in her career: all of them conquered on hard courts. (See the list of her titles)
Naomi Osaka |
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