Naomi Osaka has never been the one to throw in the towel easily. Had that been the case, she would’ve taken her recent string of losses to heart and never found her way back to glory. However, the Japanese star isn’t looking to be denied and now, she’s wreaking havoc on her rivals. After enduring a rough patch, Osaka is finally making some headway in the Asian hardcourt swing. Not only that, the former World No. 1 has also broken a two-year old streak.

The four-time Grand Slam champion landed in Beijing on the back of back-to-back opening-round losses on tour-level events. With no significant milestone achieved this season, Osaka had nothing to lose at the China Open. Naturally, the Japanese glued her foot to the pedal and stormed the WTA 1000 Masters with captivating performances. Moreover, she also thwarted a long-standing unfortunate streak of hers.

Osaka was matched up against Lucia Bronzetti in the event’s opener and the former World No. 1 gapped the Italian sensation without facing much resistance in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. Having secured a spot in the second round, the 26-year-old locked horns with Yulia Putintseva. Despite much hue and cry stemming from the Kazakhstani’s on-court antics, Osaka steered clear of her challenge again, although in a dramatic fashion.

After facing a one-set deficit, the former World No. 1 maintained her composure to register a comeback victory against Putintseva in a three-set thriller, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. This, in turn, helped her overcome an unfortunate match streak. Owing to her dropped form, the Japanese star found herself trapped in a 22-match losing streak, in matches where she lost the first set. Notably, her last recorded comeback victory came against Belinda Bencic in Miami’s last four. However, the streak is broken now.

For those unaware, Osaka’s improved performance did not magically conjure overnight. The Japanese star has joined forces with one of the sport’s finest assets.

Naomi Osaka commences partnership with Serena Williams’ ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou

Naomi Osaka has brought herself under the tutelage of Patrick Mouratoglou. The Frenchman, notably the force behind Serena Williams and Simona Halep, commenced his newly formed alliance with Osaka at the China Open. And before you know it, their team-up is already producing effective results. Moreover, the four-time Major winner reserved a few words to express her excitement about the new chapter in her career.

While talking to reporters, per ‘Reuters’, Osaka said, “He absolutely is a really good coach. I’m really glad that he’s taking this project on, as well. I try not to get into relationships with people for the short term, try to think of it as a long-term commitment. I like the way he coaches. It’s going to be really interesting.”

Next up, the Japanese sensation will face Katie Volynets in the third round of the China Open on Sunday, September 29. What do you make of Osaka’s newfound form, in alliance with Mouratoglou? Do let us know in the comments.