"Naomi Osaka came over to my house and whooped my a** like I stole something" - Kevin Hart sends message after pickleball beatdown

Naomi Osaka is making the most of her off-season. The Japanese star recently tried her hand at pickleball, an increasingly popular sport, and defeated renowned Hollywood actor and comedian Kevin Hart. The "Jumanji" star later sent a message to the four-time Grand Slam champion.

Hart shared a clip on Instagram featuring him and Osaka giving their all on the court. The Jumanji star wrote in the caption that the Japanese player shattered any illusions he had about his game, with her professional-level prowess.

Hart wrote,

"Word on the street is that I might be a pro in pickle ball …. Ok not really but I’m good damn it…. At least I thought I was until @naomiosaka came over to my house and whooped my a*s like I stole something 😂😂😂😂😂 First game I held my own 11-7 and felt good about myself…. The next game she made me understand the true definition of a pro and beat me 11-1."

He also hilariously wrote that he had her "right where" he wanted, writing:

"I got her right where I want her…. This isn’t over damn it!!!!!! Thank you for coming and being so damn cool and super thank you for being so sweet to my kids!!!!! We love you and can’t wait to watch you kick a*s in the Australian open!!!!!"

Osaka this week shared glimpses of her training for the upcoming season.

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Naomi Osaka has started preparing for the upcoming season with new coach Patrick Mouratouglou

Naomi Osaka pictured with Patrick Mouratoglou at 2024 China Open - Source: Getty

Naomi Osaka endured a titleless season, with injuries derailing her progress toward the year's close. Determined to refine her form, the World No. 58 has commenced training under Patrick Mouratoglou, who has also coached Serena Williams.

This week, she shared a post sharing glimpses into her practice sessions. The post contained an image of her lying on a court and a short video in which she introduced members of her team, including Mouratoglou. She captioned the post:

"It’s giving 'call the ambulance 🚑😭'”

Mouratoglou, one of the most successful coaches in the world, has worked with prominent players such as Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Frenchman said he was pleased to be working with Osaka. In an interview with Sky Sports, he said,

"She's extremely motivated to come back and win Grand Slams, and it's a pleasure for me because that's the dream of every coach: to have a player who has that level of motivation.”

Naomi Osaka struggled to showcase her full potential on the court last season, winning only 22 of her 40 matches.