Naomi Osaka is back on court Down Under and the 2025 season is off to an exciting start for the Japanese star. After a rocky 2024, where she struggled to find her footing in the Grand Slams and didn’t progress past the second round in any Major, Osaka decided to make some big changes. One of those was shaking up her coaching staff. Enter Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams’ former coach. So, how has he helped her game?

Ahead of the Auckland Open, in a press conference, the former world no.1 opened up about the changes Mouratoglou has brought to her game. “Genuinely I think he’s changed a lot. You might be able to see it in my play style now from China, I guess when I play my match here this week, definitely a lot more aggressive and he makes me feel very confident in myself.”

The decision to work with Patrick Mouratoglou came after the Japanese tennis player parted ways with Wim Fissette, her former coach, in September 2024. The two had a successful history, with Fissette guiding her to Major victories at the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open. But after reuniting in mid-2023 following her maternity break, their second stint didn’t yield the results Osaka hoped for. Then, Osaka made the bold choice to go under Mouratoglou’s tutelage.

Their debut as a team came at the China Open in October. It was a great opportunity to test their partnership, but unfortunately, Osaka had to withdraw early due to a back injury. Despite the setback, it was clear that changes were brewing in her game, as she hinted before her match at the Auckland Open.

And they were on full display in Auckland. On Monday, the 27-year-old made a winning return to the court after nearly three months away. She defeated qualifier Lina Glushko in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, in what turned out to be a tightly contested match.

Her new coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, was also courtside, supporting her during the match. His influence seemed evident in her gameplay. She showcased her hallmark strengths: a powerful serve, aggressive forehand, and overall commanding groundstrokes. Her intensity on court was palpable, reflecting the confidence she mentioned during the press conference.

This return to court came after a year of disappointing performances in the 2024 season. The 4-time Grand Slam champion started her 2024 season unranked after her maternity break and climbed her way back to finish the seasons World No.58. While that was an impressive feat, Osaka has higher expectations. And if they are not met this season she might just hang up her racket.

Naomi Osaka hints that she might not ‘hang around’ for a long time

Naomi Osaka has been no stranger to challenges in recent years. She saw massive success earlier in her career, winning the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, and the US Open in 2018 and 2020. But things changed after 2021, when mental health struggles led her to withdraw from the French Open and Wimbledon.

Following a break, she returned with renewed energy, but soon took another extended leave in 2023 for the birth of her daughter, Shai. Her official comeback in 2024 had some solid performances, including quarterfinal appearances in Doha and Hertogenbosch. However, maintaining consistentency proved difficult.

Now, as she enters the 2025 season, Osaka is looking to regain her championship form. Ans she might step away from the sport if those results are not achieved. She confessed in the same press conference ahead of the Auckland Open, “I don’t think I’m the type of player that would hang around. I have a lot of respect for all the players on tour, but the point of my life that I’m at right now, if I’m not above a certain ranking, I don’t see myself playing for a while.”

She added, “I’d rather spend time with my daughter if I’m not where I think I should be and where I feel like I can be.”

For now, all eyes are on Auckland. In the second round of the ASB Classic, Osaka will face Austria’s Julia Grabher as she chases her first title after a long time. Can she rediscover her winning touch? What do you think?