As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 US Open, Naomi Osaka has sent shockwaves through the sport with a surprising coaching change just weeks before the Grand Slam. The four-time Major champion, known for her powerful game and candid personality, has parted ways with Patrick Mouratoglou, the renowned coach who guided Serena Williams to 10 Grand Slam titles. In a swift and unexpected move, Osaka has begun a trial partnership with Tomasz Wiktorowski, the former coach of World No. 1 Iga Świątek, at the Canadian Open in Montreal. The decision has ignited fervent reactions among fans, with some jokingly speculating that Osaka might “hire Richard Williams next,” referencing the legendary father and coach of Venus and Serena Williams.
Osaka’s split with Mouratoglou, announced on July 27, 2025, came after a 10-month collaboration that showed flashes of brilliance but fell short of her lofty ambitions. “Merci Patrick ❤️ It was such a great experience learning from you. Wishing you nothing but the best. You are one of the coolest people I’ve ever met and I’m sure I’ll see you around,” Osaka wrote on Instagram, her tone reflecting gratitude and optimism despite the partnership’s challenges. Under Mouratoglou’s guidance, Osaka reached the Auckland final in January but was hampered by an abdominal injury, forcing her to retire after the first set. She secured a WTA 125 title in Saint-Malo in May, her first trophy since the 2021 Australian Open, but early exits at the French Open and Wimbledon underscored persistent inconsistencies. A 6-4, 6-2 loss to Emma Raducanu at the Mubadala Citi DC Open proved to be the final straw, prompting Osaka to seek a new direction.
Enter Tomasz Wiktorowski, a Polish coaching veteran whose résumé boasts transformative success with Świątek and Agnieszka Radwańska. Wiktorowski guided Świątek to four of her five Grand Slam titles, including three consecutive French Opens and the 2022 US Open, while helping her maintain the World No. 1 ranking for over 120 weeks. His earlier work with Radwańska saw her reach the 2012 Wimbledon final and a career-high No. 2 ranking. Osaka’s agent, Stuart Duguid, confirmed on July 28 that Wiktorowski was en route to Montreal to begin a trial run, a move that caught fans off guard. “Naomi Osaka about to hire Richard Williams next,” one fan quipped on social media, capturing the surprise and humor surrounding her rapid coaching transitions. Others questioned whether Wiktorowski’s methodical approach would mesh with Osaka’s aggressive, power-driven style, while some wondered if Świątek’s sports psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, might join the team.
Osaka, currently ranked No. 49, has been candid about her career goals since returning from maternity leave in 2024. Her 21-11 record in 2025 reflects progress, but her struggles to advance past the third round at Majors since her 2021 Australian Open triumph highlight the need for stability. “I’m at a stage in life that I don’t want to have regrets,” Osaka said in 2019, reflecting on her coaching philosophy. “I’d rather pull the trigger on something and… I really need to learn as much as possible in this stage of my career.” Her words resonate now as she embarks on this trial with Wiktorowski, whose tactical acumen could refine her serve—recently plagued by a dipping first-serve percentage—and bolster her hard-court game, where she thrives as a two-time US Open champion.
The Canadian Open, where Osaka defeated Canadian wildcard Ariana Arseneault 6-4, 6-2 in the first round, serves as a testing ground for the new partnership. Her next challenge is a second-round clash against No. 13 seed Liudmila Samsonova, a match that will gauge the early chemistry between player and coach. Fans have expressed mixed sentiments, with some praising Wiktorowski’s proven track record and others skeptical of Osaka’s frequent coaching changes. Her past collaborations—with Sascha Bajin for her 2018 US Open and 2019 Australian Open titles, Wim Fissette for her 2020 US Open and 2021 Australian Open wins, and brief stints with Jermaine Jenkins and her father, Leonard François—reflect a pattern of seeking the perfect fit. “For me, just to have a positive mindset,” Osaka said in 2019 about her ideal coach. “Someone that’s kind of direct, not afraid to say things to my face.”
The timing of this move, just weeks before the US Open, adds pressure to an already pivotal moment in Osaka’s career. Her comfort on hard courts, evidenced by titles at the 2018 and 2020 US Opens and a 2019 China Open crown, makes her a potential threat in New York. Wiktorowski’s experience with Świątek’s 2022 US Open triumph could provide the strategic edge Osaka needs to reclaim her place among the elite. As she navigates this trial, the tennis world watches closely, eager to see if this bold partnership can spark a resurgence. For now, Osaka’s decision to “pull the trigger” on Wiktorowski signals her unwavering ambition to return to the pinnacle of the sport, with the US Open looming as the ultimate stage.
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