Naomi Osaka has always admired the 23-time superstar Serena Williams, and she is fortunate to be following in the footsteps of the grand slam champion now.
Osaka began working with Williams’ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou on Wednesday at the China Open, where the Japanese star defeated Lucia Bronzetti of Italy in the first round and prevailed in straight sets.
Williams has previously led Mouratoglou to 10 major titles, a career golden slam, all four grand slam titles, and an Olympic gold medal under his direction.
Mouratoglou has also collaborated with men’s tennis stars Holger Rune and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Even though the four-time grand slam champion is excited about a new chapter in her career, Osaka admits that she was initially hesitant to begin working with the well-known coach.
According to Reuters, she told reporters, “The fact that he was Serena’s coach made me want to avoid him just because his persona is so big.”
“This isn’t rude because I found out it’s not true, but I didn’t know if he was a good coach or he coached Serena.
“Then I met him, talked to him, worked with him on the court. He absolutely is a really good coach. I’m really glad that he’s taking this project on, as well.”
“I would say I’m still a little nervous around him. I look to the floor when he looks at me. I think I do need a lot more time to spend together with him. I’m getting a little more comfortable day by day.”
After taking a maternity leave, Osaka began playing competitive tennis again at the beginning of this year and is currently ranked 73rd worldwide.
She has had some difficulties adjusting to life on tour despite winning her first match back, reaching the quarterfinals at a WTA 1000 event, and winning Wimbledon for the first time since 2018.
Osaka hopes that her new relationship with Mouratoglou will propel her once more to the top of the tennis world.
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