"Really proud of all her efforts" - Naomi Osaka’s new coach Patrick Mouratoglou pens heartfelt note after their first campaign together at China Open

Naomi Osaka's new coach Patrick Mouratogou had some heartfelt words for the Japanese and her team after their first tournament together came to an end. The duo debuted their partnership at the ongoing China Open in Beijing.

Osaka, who was out of action for a long time due to her pregnancy, made her return to the court this year. She got back together with her previous coach Wim Fissette, who controversially ended his partnership with Zheng Qinwen to get back together with the Japanese.

However, the four-time Grand Slam champion's return has been far from ideal. And though there may have been a few highs, she has been a shadow of her former self throughout the season.

Considering these results, the Japanese decided to end her partnership with Fissette and hire Serena Williams' ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou.

The duo tried out their partnership at the China Open. Naomi Osaka looked in fine touch as she managed to grab wins against Lucia Bronzetti, 21st seed Yulia Putintseva, and Katie Volynets to reach the fourth round . However, a back injury during her match against Coco Gauff forced her to retire following the end of the second set, which the American won 6-4.

Patrick Mouratoglou took to Instagram to pen a note for the Japanese after their first campaign together to share his thoughts on his experience working with Osaka so far.

"It’s been our first tournament together with @naomiosaka and it was so rich in terms or 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. I also got to spend time with the amazing team around her @florian.zitz @simone._.elliott @matizukas," Mouratoglou said.

The French coach also said that he was proud of Naomi Osaka.

"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," he said.

Naomi Osaka shares an injury update with her fans

Naomi Osaka (Source: Getty)

Naomi Osaka shared an injury update with her fans via an Instagram story. She explained that she had locked up her back during practice and things just got worse for her as the match went on.

"Hi everyone just wanted to say I’m extremely thankful and happy to have played in Beijing. That being said I feel like I owe a little backstory about today- So I locked my back up during practice earlier and honestly wasn’t sure if I could even play but I just wanted to try, unfortunately things just got progressively worse during the match. Totally worth it though lol," Osaka wrote.

Naomi Osaka has a 22-17 win/loss record so far this year and is set to be ranked 58 after the China Open ends. The former World No. 1 is listed as an alternate for the Wuhan Open, which will take place for the first time since 2019.

Osaka's last appearance at the tournament came in 2017, where she lost 4-6, 6-1, 4-6 to Elise Mertens in the first round.