Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has always been a force on the tennis court, but her journey back to the top after welcoming her daughter, Shai, in July 2023, has been anything but smooth. Two months ago, at the Washington Open, the former world number one faced a stinging defeat to Emma Raducanu, falling 6-4, 6-2 in a match that exposed her struggles with consistency. Yet, in a candid revelation, Osaka has shared how that loss became a pivotal moment, igniting a transformation that propelled her to the US Open semifinals in 2025, her first such appearance since her 2020 title win. “Actually, it was after Wimbledon but specifically after DC, after I played Raducanu,” Osaka said, reflecting on the moment that reshaped her approach and mindset.
The Washington Open defeat was a low point for Osaka, who admitted to feeling “confused” despite playing better than the scoreline suggested. Facing Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, Osaka struggled with her serve, committing seven double faults and converting none of her break-point opportunities. Raducanu, by contrast, was clinical, capitalizing on three of four break points and dominating from the baseline. “I think all losses suck a lot,” Osaka confessed post-match, but she also noted a surprising sense of calm. “I’m also a little confused why I’m okay right now compared to, like, other matches in the past.” This introspection led to a critical decision: Osaka called a “roundtable” with her team, determined to dissect her game and chart a new path forward. “I was just very confused how confident that I was in myself, because even though I lost, I just remember telling them that I think I can beat anyone from the baseline still,” she said, highlighting a belief in her core strengths that refused to waver.
The turning point came with a bold coaching change. Days after the Raducanu loss, Osaka parted ways with Patrick Mouratoglou, the renowned coach who had guided Serena Williams to 10 major titles. In his place, she brought on Tomasz Wiktorowski, previously Iga Swiatek’s coach, whose strategic insight proved transformative. “Then Tomasz came into the picture, and we have been on a roll since then,” Osaka said, crediting Wiktorowski for refining her game plan. The results were immediate and remarkable. Since the coaching switch, Osaka has lost just one of her last 12 matches, surging to the Canadian Open final and, most notably, the US Open semifinals. Her 6-4, 7-6(3) victory over Karolina Muchova in New York showcased a revitalized Osaka, blending powerful baseline play with newfound mental clarity.
Osaka’s journey in 2025 has been a tale of resilience. Before hiring Wiktorowski, she won only 65% of her matches, a respectable but underwhelming figure for a player of her caliber. The Washington loss, though painful, forced her to confront her game’s weaknesses head-on. “We just have to figure out if I have to change my game plan or if I have to do something new or different,” she recalled telling her team. This willingness to adapt, coupled with Wiktorowski’s expertise, unlocked a level of consistency that had eluded her since her return to the tour in January 2024. Her US Open semifinal run, where she now faces Amanda Anisimova, marks a significant milestone, though Anisimova holds a 2-0 head-to-head edge from past Grand Slam encounters.
Beyond the court, Osaka’s openness about her challenges—both professional and personal—has endeared her to fans. She admitted to feeling isolated at times, describing herself as perceived as “extremely introverted” or having “RBF” (resting bitch face) despite her efforts to connect with peers. “I have been saying hi to everyone for the past year and a half since I have been back,” she shared, revealing the human side of a global superstar. Her ability to channel setbacks into growth, as seen after the Raducanu defeat, underscores her mental fortitude. As she prepares for her semifinal clash, Osaka’s journey from Washington’s disappointment to New York’s spotlight is a testament to her belief that “progress is not linear, but the grind is worth it.”
Leave a Reply