Naomi Osaka's new coach gives his verdict on Japanese's first training session ahead of ASB Classic 2025

Naomi Osaka’s new coach Patrick Mouratoglou reacted this week to the Japanese tennis star’s impressive sliding volley. The French coach joked about the capability of this technique to destroy a piece of tennis equipment.

Osaka is in Auckland, New Zealand, for the 2025 ASB Classic, which begins on 30 December. She will be participating in the WTA 250 tournament after an eight-year hiatus. The four-time Grand Slam singles champion made her debut in Auckland in 2017, defeating players like Annika Beck and Venus Williams to reach the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, her run was cut short by a wrist injury that forced her to retire mid-match against Ana Konjuh.

On December 25, 2024, Mouratoglou, known for mentoring top players such as Serena Williams and Simona Halep, took to his Instagram stories to share a clip from Osaka's practice session. The French coach wrote humorously:

"How to destroy tennis shoes!"

Patrick Mouratoglou's Instagram story/@patrickmouratoglou

Mouratoglou has been with Naomi Osaka since her exit from the 2024 US Open. Osaka lost to Karolina Muchova in the second round at Flushing Meadows this year.

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Naomi Osaka sends touching note to her mother after an unexpected coincidence at the 2025 ASB Classic

Naomi Osaka during the 2024 China Open (Image source: Getty)

Naomi Osaka shared her excitement about playing on a court that bears her mother's name.

As she prepared for the 2025 season, Osaka was pleasantly surprised to see "Tamaki," her mother's name, displayed on the court. She took to Instagram to send a heartfelt message to her mother. Osaka said,

"I made it to New Zealand. But look, it says Tamaki. Well, it says Tamaki Makaurau. But anyways, mom, I know you're going to see this. My mom's first name is Tamaki. Mom, look I am playing on a court that has your name on it,"

Naomi Osaka's Instagram story/@naomiosaka

In an interview with ASB Classic, the Japanese tennis star expressed her excitement about competing in New Zealand. She said she is eager to play in Auckland. Osaka said [via ASB Classic].

“I am looking forward to just embracing the nature of Auckland and of course, playing in a tournament that I have not played in for a long time. I am excited to return to Auckland for the ASB Classic 2025.”

Naomi Osaka also reminisced about her previous visit, recalling helicopter rides and her exploration of the city's beaches during her last appearance at the tournament.