Naomi Osaka Makes Strong Comeback After Split with Coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Aims for US Open Victory

In the aftermath of their 10-month partnership’s dissolution prior to the Canadian Open, Naomi Osaka has demonstrated impressive form on hard courts as she approaches the US Open. Notably, her former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, expressed his support for her success during an interview with CNN Sports.

“She’s doing well in Montreal at the moment,” Mouratoglou stated. “Let’s hope she goes all the way.” He added that Osaka’s tennis level is currently high and that her physical condition and competitive spirit make a successful comeback imminent.

Currently ranked No. 49, Osaka is experiencing her best seasonal run, with her performances taking place on Canadian soil – a surface where she has historically excelled. In Montreal, she will face Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Osaka expressed her determination to accumulate victories on hard courts, stating that she is currently confident with her base game. Her objective is to win her first WTA Tour title since triumphing at the Australian Open in 2021.

The partnership between Osaka and Mouratoglou yielded mixed results, including injuries and inconsistent performance. However, Osaka claimed her first title as a mother in May during a lower-tier WTA 125 event in France. In January, she reached the final of a WTA Tour event following her return from maternity leave but was forced to retire due to an abdominal injury before completion. Her best grand slam performances this year have been reaching the round of 32 at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Mouratoglou, renowned for his success coaching Serena Williams, discussed their separation and Osaka’s performance in Montreal with CNN. He attributed the partnership’s downfall to a lack of competitiveness on Osaka’s part during their time together. Mouratoglou expressed optimism about her future success, stating that she is capable of achieving great results with the right guidance.

Mouratoglou released a book titled “Champion Mindset” in the spring, focusing on the mental aspect of the game and life. In an interview with CNN, he was asked to clarify his role as a tennis coach versus a mental coach. Mouratoglou emphasized that the mental component is crucial in tennis and that coaches should be capable of addressing it.

“The mental is a vital part of this sport,” Mouratoglou stated. “So, I think it’s essential for coaches to also assist players in this aspect of the game.” He added that he does not consider himself solely a mental coach but rather a comprehensive coach addressing technical, mental, and physical aspects of tennis.

Following their separation, Osaka began working with Polish tennis coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, who has achieved success with Iga Swiatek, including winning four major titles together. Wiktorowski has also coached Agnieszka Radwanska in the past.

Osaka shared her positive experience working with Wiktorowski, stating that his coaching style is direct and to-the-point – a quality she finds beneficial given her tendency for scattered thoughts.

When asked about her definition of success, Osaka still prioritizes major tournaments, stating: “I spoke with my father, and he said, ‘Just being healthy and happy is a form of success.’ I agree with that, but I want more.” She expressed her ambition to win grand slams and achieve a top-10 ranking, while also acknowledging the need for self-pacing and targeting smaller goals as stepping stones towards achieving larger ones.