After a challenging period marked by mental health struggles, a hiatus from tennis, and becoming a mother, Osaka has re-entered the tennis world with fresh resolve. Working with renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou, she\u2019s aiming to reclaim her place at the top of the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Osaka, currently ranked No. 59, returned to competitive tennis in January after the birth of her first child in July 2023. She received a wildcard entry for the US Open and played up until the China Open in September, where she retired due to an injury in her round-of-16 match against Coco Gauff. Her results this year have been below her usual standards, but her focus and motivation to succeed have only grown, according to Mouratoglou, the former long-time coach of Serena Williams.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cShe's extremely motivated to come back and win Grand Slams, and it's a pleasure for me because that's the dream of every coach: to have a player who has that level of motivation,\u201d Mouratoglou told Sky Sports.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFirst, she had this mental health issue, and then she had a baby. So she's been out, and then she restarted the year this season and it was not a very good season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Mouratoglou, whose tenure with Williams included her 23rd Grand Slam singles title, Osaka\u2019s commitment to returning to her peak performance is a \u201cdream\u201d for any coach. \u201cShe really feels she has to give and do much more,\u201d he said, adding that Osaka has had \u201ctwo very difficult years,\u201d with both mental health challenges and motherhood shaping her recent journey.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mouratoglou and Osaka began working together in September, following her split with Wim Fisette, with whom she won two of her four Grand Slam titles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Osaka initially hesitated to reach out to Mouratoglou, whose reputation as Williams\u2019 coach precedes him. \u201cThe fact that he was Serena's coach made me want to avoid him just because his persona is so big,\u201d she admitted. But after working with him, her opinion changed, and she realised he was indeed the right fit. \u201cHe absolutely is a really good coach.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This partnership marks a new chapter for Osaka, who, at 26, is focused on achieving her goals without regrets. Mouratoglou appreciates that Osaka approached him, as he believes a player\u2019s motivation is crucial to building a solid foundation for success. \u201cNaomi came to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI never come to players... When a coach goes to a player to say, \u2018I would like to work with you,\u2019 I don\u2019t think it puts him in a good position to work well.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Although Osaka has yet to make a deep run in tournaments since her return, Mouratoglou is optimistic about their trajectory. He notes that her motivation parallels Serena\u2019s drive, which helped them push each other to new heights over their decade-long partnership.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This partnership marks a new chapter for Osaka, who, at 26, is focused on achieving her goals without regrets. Mouratoglou appreciates that Osaka approached him, as he believes a player\u2019s motivation is crucial to building a solid foundation for success. \u201cNaomi came to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI never come to players... When a coach goes to a player to say, \u2018I would like to work with you,\u2019 I don\u2019t think it puts him in a good position to work well.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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