TOKYO — Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has reportedly begun working with Tomasz Wiktorowski, the former coach of world No. 1 Iga Świątek, following her split with Patrick Mouratoglou. The move signals Osaka’s latest effort to regain her dominance in women’s tennis after a challenging return from maternity leave.
A New Chapter for Osaka
Osaka, who returned to the WTA Tour in January after a 15-month hiatus to give birth to her daughter, Shai, has struggled to find consistency. Her partnership with Mouratoglou, which began in 2022, ended earlier this year after a series of early-round exits. Sources close to the player confirmed that Osaka reached out to Wiktorowski, who guided Świątek to three Grand Slam titles, including the 2022 French Open and US Open.
Wiktorowski’s reputation for tactical precision and player development makes him an intriguing choice for Osaka. "Tomasz has a proven track record of elevating players to their peak performance," said a WTA insider. "His work with Iga was transformative, and Naomi clearly sees potential in his methods."
Why Wiktorowski?
The Polish coach’s collaboration with Świątek saw the young star rise from a talented junior to a dominant force in women’s tennis. Under Wiktorowski’s guidance, Świątek developed a relentless baseline game and mental resilience—qualities Osaka hopes to reignite in her own career. Wiktorowski’s emphasis on adaptability and strategic play could address Osaka’s recent struggles with consistency.
Key strengths Wiktorowski brings to Osaka’s team:
- Technical refinement: Known for fine-tuning strokes and footwork.
- Mental conditioning: Helped Świątek maintain composure under pressure.
- Tournament preparation: Meticulous scouting of opponents.
Challenges Ahead
Osaka’s return has been marked by flashes of brilliance but also uncharacteristic errors. Her first-round exit at the Australian Open and early losses in Middle East tournaments highlighted the need for a fresh perspective. Wiktorowski’s challenge will be to rebuild Osaka’s confidence while addressing technical inconsistencies in her game.
"Naomi’s power game is still there, but her timing and decision-making have been off," noted tennis analyst Pam Shriver. "A coach like Wiktorowski could help her simplify her approach and play more percentage tennis."
Osaka’s Statement
While Osaka has yet to publicly confirm the coaching change, she hinted at a new direction in a recent Instagram post: "Excited for the next phase. Grateful for the team around me and ready to keep growing." Fans speculate this refers to her collaboration with Wiktorowski, who was spotted at her recent training sessions in Florida.
Mouratoglou’s Departure
Osaka’s split with Mouratoglou in February came after a mixed tenure. Though the French coach helped her reach the 2022 Miami Open final, their partnership lacked the Grand Slam success both had hoped for. Mouratoglou, who previously coached Serena Williams, acknowledged the split in a statement: "Naomi is an incredible athlete, and I wish her the best in her next chapter."
What’s Next?
Osaka is expected to compete in the upcoming Indian Wells tournament, where she’s a two-time champion. A strong showing there could signal a resurgence under Wiktorowski’s guidance. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, Osaka’s focus will be on regaining her form in time to represent Japan on the global stage.
The tennis world will be watching closely to see if this new partnership can rekindle Osaka’s dominance. As one insider put it: "If anyone can help Naomi rediscover her best tennis, it’s a coach who’s already shaped a world No. 1."
Wiktorowski’s arrival marks a pivotal moment in Osaka’s comeback journey. With her powerful game and his strategic acumen, the duo could prove formidable. For now, optimism surrounds the partnership, but as Osaka knows all too well, results on the court will tell the true story.