In a stunning move that has sent ripples through the tennis world, Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has embarked on a trial partnership with Tomasz Wiktorowski, the renowned Polish coach who guided Iga Swiatek to four of her six major titles. The announcement came on the heels of Osaka’s sudden split with Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams’ former mentor, just days before her first-round victory at the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal. The Japanese star, ranked No. 49, kicked off the collaboration with a confident 6-4, 6-2 win over Canadian qualifier Ariana Arseneault on July 28, signaling her intent to reclaim her place among the WTA’s elite. “Merci Patrick ❤️ it was such a great experience learning from you,” Osaka posted on social media, expressing gratitude to Mouratoglou. “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’s decision to part ways with Mouratoglou after a 10-month stint marked a pivotal moment in her post-maternity comeback. Since returning to the tour in 2024 after the birth of her daughter, Shai, the 27-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance, including a WTA 125 title in Saint-Malo and a final in Auckland. However, her 2025 season has been marred by inconsistency, with early exits at the French Open, Wimbledon, and a second-round loss to Emma Raducanu at the WTA 500 in Washington. Seeking a fresh spark, Osaka turned to Wiktorowski, whose strategic acumen transformed Swiatek into a dominant force, with a 37-match win streak in 2022, three consecutive French Open titles (2022-2024), and a US Open crown. “I’m happy to announce that Wim Fissette is joining our team,” Swiatek had said when she hired Osaka’s former coach in October 2024, highlighting the coaching carousel that now sees Wiktorowski in Osaka’s corner.
Wiktorowski, a 44-year-old Warsaw native, brings a wealth of experience. From 2011 to 2018, he coached Agnieszka Radwanska to a Wimbledon final and a career-high No. 2 ranking, earning a reputation for meticulous game planning. His tenure with Swiatek, from late 2021 to October 2024, saw her hold the world No. 1 ranking for 125 weeks and win 19 WTA titles. “Generally, we had a very good relationship in the team,” Wiktorowski said after his respectful split with Swiatek, emphasizing their mutual focus on excellence. Osaka’s powerful baseline game and aggressive serving style present a new challenge for Wiktorowski, whose methodical approach could help her address recent struggles, particularly in tight three-set matches.
The trial began in Montreal, where Osaka’s straight-sets victory over Arseneault showcased her potential under Wiktorowski’s guidance. “Osaka was one of the headliners of the day’s schedule in Montreal,” noted a tennis observer, highlighting her 76-minute win that improved her record to 11-1 against players outside the top 100. Her next test is a second-round clash against 13th seed Liudmila Samsonova, a match that will gauge the early chemistry between Osaka and Wiktorowski. Fans are buzzing with optimism, with one social media post joking, “Naomi Osaka about to hire Richard Williams next,” reflecting the excitement around her bold move.
Osaka’s hardcourt pedigree—two US Open titles (2018, 2020) and two Australian Open crowns (2019, 2021)—makes the upcoming US Open, starting August 17, a prime opportunity to capitalize on this partnership. Mouratoglou, who began coaching Osaka in September 2024, expressed gratitude on Instagram: “I’m grateful for the trust, the journey and what we have built together.” Despite reaching the Auckland final, Osaka’s season was hampered by an abdominal injury that forced retirements at the Australian Open and other events. Wiktorowski’s arrival could provide the stability she needs to rediscover her championship form.
As Osaka navigates the WTA 1000 event in Montreal, the tennis world watches closely. Her collaboration with Wiktorowski, even on a trial basis, signals a determined push to overcome recent setbacks and reclaim her status as a Grand Slam contender. With the US Open looming, where she thrives on the lively Flushing Meadows courts, this partnership could mark the start of a thrilling resurgence for one of tennis’s most charismatic stars.
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