Renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou has spoken candidly about his recent split with Naomi Osaka, shedding light on the challenges they faced during their time working together. In an interview with CNN, Mouratoglou reflected on the partnership and Osaka’s performance at the Canadian Open in Montreal.
A struggle with competitiveness
Mouratoglou, who famously guided Serena Williams to multiple Grand Slam titles, identified competitiveness as the central issue during his stint with Osaka. “The thing that was missing was the competitiveness,” he said. “I think she’s a great competitor, but at that time she was not as good as a competitor as I think can be and she has been in the past. And this is the thing that we didn’t solve.”
Time was not on their side
The coach emphasized the importance of timing in elite sport, noting that solutions must come quickly at the highest level. “I wish we could have more time to solve it. But we didn’t, that’s life, and I have no regrets on that because that’s the rule when you work in high level,” he explained. “Time is important, and you have to solve the problems fast. So I think that was the key that was missing.”
Encouragement for Osaka’s future
Despite the split, Mouratoglou expressed optimism about Osaka’s potential moving forward. “And when we stopped, I said to her, ‘I mean, I think you’re ready. If you find the person that will help you get back your efficiency during the matches, I think you’re ready to do great results right now, and I hope it’s going to happen very soon.’”
Looking ahead
Osaka’s journey continues as she seeks to regain her form and confidence on the court. With Mouratoglou’s parting words of encouragement, the focus now shifts to who will guide her next and how she will respond in upcoming tournaments.
Naomi Osaka in 2025
Ranked no.25, Naomi played her last encounter on the 7th of August when she was overcome by world no.24 Victoria Mboko 2-6 6-4 6-1 in the final in Montreal (draw).
Until now, during this year Osaka achieved an overall 27-12 win-loss record. The Japanese has won 1 title in the Malo. The Japanese was the finalist in Auckland and Montreal.