“4 years, 2 Slams, and a whole lot of memories. Thanks, Wim, for being a great coach and an even greater person,” said Naomi Osaka after splitting with Wim Fissette, shortly after her second-round exit in the US Open. But it seems that the Japanese player wasted no time in considering a replacement and is potentially working with Serena Williams‘ ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou now! While an official confirmation has yet to be done, Osaka’s latest Instagram post might be sparking rumors!

Naomi Osaka is leaving no stone unturned in her training, as evidenced by her recent Instagram post showcasing a grueling training routine (at 7:54 am) that she is following. The caption, “casual 5-mile hike before 8 am,” further hints at the intensity of her training regime. About a month ago, Osaka’s candid confession on her struggles to regain momentum after a 15-month hiatus (during which she became a mother) resonated with fans worldwide. “It’s a strange feeling, missing balls I shouldn’t miss, heating balls software than I remember I used to,” confessed the World No. 75, Osaka, who reached only two QFs this season.

For the Japanese star, analysis of her performance is only possible through results, and with results not going her way, she now intends to start a new chapter of her career as early as possible. Enter the French coach, Mouratoglou, whose expertise has propelled players like Simona Halep, Williams, and Kim Clijsters to massive success in the past. Interestingly, the four-time Grand Slam champion has already started her coaching partnership with Mouratoglou.

An X post provided a glimpse of Osaka training under the guidance of Mouratoglou at the University of California, Los Angeles. But while Osaka is striving to move on and hone her skills more, her former coach’s reflection after the split had a tinge of regret to it. “We were very close to a breakthrough,” Wim Fissette wrote on his Instagram account. However, for Osaka, this decision comes after enduring 7 losses in 11 matches.

Talking about Mouratoglou, last December, he shared some motivational words for Naomi Osaka owing to her comeback!

Mouratoglou’s kind words on Naomi Osaka’s comeback to tennis after her maternity leave!

Before the Australian Open in 2023, Naomi Osaka announced her pregnancy and decided to take a break from the sport. She welcomed her baby in July last year. And when she was about to make a comeback in January at the Brisbane International event, Mouratoglou’s excitement was palpable. “I think it’s the best news for women’s tennis,” he said during an interview in December 2023.

Furthermore, he added, “I’m very excited that Naomi comes back. I think she’s great, I think she can do well. I feel that she’s very motivated to come back.”

Now with the latest rumor hinting at their potential partnership, Naomi Osaka would be aiming a major comeback in the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing. However, before that, a glimpse into her daily routine has left fans as well as pundits in awe!