Naomi Osaka Rediscovers Her Spark Under New Coach Wiktorowski

Naomi Osaka Rediscovers Her Spark Under New Coach Wiktorowski

Two months ago, Naomi Osaka stood disheartened at Wimbledon, admitting she had “nothing positive to say” after a third-round exit. Now, heading into the US Open 2025 quarter-finals, the four-time Grand Slam champion is beaming again—and her tennis is backing it up.

From Frustration to Focus

The 27-year-old former world No.1 has rediscovered the confidence that once made her the most feared baseline player in the women’s game. Her fourth-round victory over third seed Coco Gauff was a reminder of her prime form—highlighted by aggressive shot-making, precise timing, and powerful court coverage.

“Her tennis is reminiscent of when she won her two titles here,” said former British No.1 Annabel Croft, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live. “When she’s confident, she makes the game look effortless.”

The Coaching Switch That Changed Everything

Osaka’s transformation has coincided with a key decision—parting ways with Patrick Mouratoglou, the high-profile French coach formerly associated with Serena Williams. She has since teamed up with Tomasz Wiktorowski, the Polish coach best known for guiding Iga Swiatek to four Grand Slam titles.

“He seemed so tough, but he’s actually like a teddy bear,” Osaka said with a smile. “He creates a safe space for me to express myself and my tennis.”

That comfort has paid dividends. In her first tournament with Wiktorowski, Osaka reached the Montreal final, defeating multiple top-25 opponents, including Liudmila Samsonova and Elina Svitolina.

“That match against Samsonova changed my mindset. I fought to the last point. Against Svitolina, I felt I could rally with anyone,” she said.

Statistically Sound and Emotionally Balanced

Osaka has tagged a different Labubu doll – the Chinese furry dolls which have become a global sensation – on her bag during each of her four US Open matches

Since Montreal, Osaka has carried her momentum into Flushing Meadows. Her tactical discipline has improved—picking the right moments to use her explosive baseline game while maintaining composure. Her tournament statistics rank among the leaders:

• 79% of service games won

• 56% return game success

• 19% of shots resulting in winners

“Osaka is all about rhythm—beautiful timing, effortless power, and a big serve that opens up the court,” added Croft. “She’s looking dangerous again.”

Back to Smiling and Believing

Importantly, Osaka is learning to enjoy the game again. After months of uncertainty—including a 14-month break around the birth of her daughter Shai—she now enters her first Grand Slam quarter-final since the 2021 Australian Open, where she will face Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova.

“What I want to take away from this tournament is just smiling and having fun,” Osaka said. “I’m most excited when I play against the best players.”

With her confidence renewed and her game rebuilt, Naomi Osaka is no longer just making a comeback—she’s becoming a genuine contender again.