Naomi Osaka is optimistic that her collaboration with new coach Patrick Mouratoglou will evolve into a lasting partnership, the four-time Grand Slam champion revealed on Wednesday following her smooth progression to the second round of the China Open. The 26-year-old recently parted ways with coach Wim Fissette after a four-year stint, spanning two periods, and arrived in Beijing this week accompanied by Mouratoglou, who previously mentored her idol Serena Williams to 10 of her 23 major titles.
Former world number one Osaka is aiming to revitalize her career after a period of inconsistent form since her return to the tour nine months ago following an extended maternity break. "I'm referring to him as my coach at the moment. I didn't realize there was so much interest in who's in my players' box. For now, I'd say he's my coach," Osaka stated after defeating Lucia Bronzetti 6-3 6-2 in her first match under Mouratoglou's guidance.
"I tend to avoid short-term relationships with people. I prefer to see it as a long-term commitment. I appreciate his coaching style. I think it's going to be quite intriguing." Osaka admitted she was initially wary of approaching the Frenchman Mouratoglou, who has also coached players like Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Simona Halep, and Holger Rune, among others.
"The fact that he was Serena's coach made me want to steer clear of him because his reputation is so significant. This isn't meant to be disrespectful, but I discovered it's not accurate, yet I didn't know... I wasn't sure if he was a good coach or if he was just coaching Serena," Osaka explained. "Then I met him, spoke with him, and worked with him on the court. He is undoubtedly a very good coach. I'm truly grateful that he's taking on this project as well.
"I would say I'm still somewhat nervous around him. I tend to look down when he looks at me. I believe I need more time to get used to working with him. I'm becoming a bit more comfortable each day."
