Naomi Osaka: Patrick Mouratoglou delivers ‘proud’ message after first tournament together
Naomi Osaka’s new coach Patrick Mouratoglou has revealed he is “really proud” of the former world No 1 after their first tournament together at the China Open.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka and Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams and Simona Halep, began working together in September.
The partnership came following the Japanese star’s split from long-term coach Wim Fissette after her second round loss at the US Open, with the Belgian having previously guided Osaka to two major titles.
Osaka and Mouratoglou’s partnership began successfully at the China Open, with the 26-year-old reaching the fourth round after winning three consecutive matches for the first time since May.
However, her campaign ended in unfortunate fashion, with the former No 1 forced to retire at one set all in her fourth round clash versus world No 6 Coco Gauff.
Despite a disappointing end to their first tournament, Mouratoglou posted a glowing message to his new charge on Instagram, saying he was “really proud” of the progress made in the opening weeks of their partnership.
He wrote: “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 briefing and debriefings, I got so much to learn about her.
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“I also got to spend time with the amazing team around her @florian.zitz @simone._.elliott @matizukas. I am really proud of all her efforts, her focus and willingness to learn and progress.
“It’s the best attitude to be in a growth process. Now is time to heal and get ready for new challenges.”
Osaka looked in considerable pain towards the end of her match with Gauff, with the American helping the four-time Grand Slam champion take her bags off court.
The Japanese revealed post-match that she had been struggling with a lower back injury, an issue that she had aggravated while warming up for the match in Beijing.
However, Osaka is still set to play at the Wuhan Open next week, having not yet withdrawn from the second of back-to-back WTA 1000 events.
She is then set to play at the Pan Pacific Open on home soil, having won the title in front of her home fans in 2019.
Osaka is currently up to 58th in the WTA Live Rankings following her run in Beijing and is closing in on a return to the top 50 after her return to tour from maternity leave at the beginning of 2024.
