Naomi Osaka's new coach Patrick Mouratoglou makes feelings clear after her sad Auckland departure

2025 had a bittersweet beginning for former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka. The Japanese player reached the final at the ASB Classic, her first since 2022. However, she had to retire from her match against Clara Tauson.

Osaka was out of tennis action for the 2023 season as she became a mother for the first time. She came back in 2024 on the Tour. The comeback season was middling for the former Grand Slam Champion as she had a 22-18 record with no final appearances. However, in a significant change, Osaka hired Patrick Mouratoglou as her new coach for the new season.

The change seemed to work as Osaka made a great start to the 2025 season in Auckland. She defeated the likes of Lina Glushko, Julia Grabher, Hailey Baptiste, and Alycia Parks to reach the final. She had a great start in the final against Clara Tauson but had to retire due to injury.

Osaka took to social media and penned a message for herself and hoped that 2025 would be better for her on the court.

"I've come to the conclusion that what's meant for me is meant for me and maybe certain situations occur to train my mind for what's to come. Maybe there's bigger and better things on my path and I just have to continue the journey to encounter the. That being said this is about to be a great year" posted Osaka on her Instagram story.

Osaka's new coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, was quick to react to the post. Commenting on it, the Frenchman said that he was proud of the former World No. 1's efforts and that this was just the start of a great partnership.

"You did incredibly well. I am proud of you and it is just the beginning". said Mouratoglou (Via Instagram)

Osaka is all set to play the Australian Open, which is starting next week.

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Naomi Osaka is a two-time Champion in Melbourne

Despite not being in top form, Osaka has a phenomenal record at Melbourne Park with a 24-6 win/loss ratio. The Japanese player has bagged the title twice, winning the Major in 2019 and in 2021.

In her run in 2019, she entered the event as the fourth seed. She won her matches against Magda Linette, Tamara Zidansek, Hsieh Su-wei, Anastasija Sevastova, Elina Svitolina, and Karolina Pliskova to reach the final. In the summit clash, she overcame the challenge of former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in three sets.

Coming in 2021, Osaka was the third seed. She displayed an exceptional level of tennis, getting past high-caliber players like Garbine Muguruza and Serena Williams to reach the final. She squared off against 22nd-seeded Jennifer Brady in the final, winning in straight sets.