Naomi Osaka garnered praise from Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, despite her loss in the 2025 Canadian Open final. This match marked Osaka’s third final of the season, following her runner-up finish at the 2025 ASB Classic and her title victory at the 2025 L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo (WTA 125).
Osaka faced wild card entrant Victoria Mboko in the final of the WTA 1000 hard court tournament held in Montreal. She began the match by taking the first set 6-2. However, the 18-year-old made an incredible comeback, winning the following two sets and ultimately securing the match and the title with a scoreline of 2-6, 6-4, 6-1.
What Did Rick Macci Say After Naomi Osaka’s Canadian Open 2025 Final Loss?
Despite the defeat, Osaka’s performance throughout the tournament drew commendation from Macci, who took to social media to highlight that the four-time Grand Slam champion played at a higher level during her time in Montreal.
“Naomi competed in Canada at another level. If she is locked loaded and ready to launch like that every point and every game look for more results like that to be the same. @naomiosaka,” Macci posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Naomi competed in Canada at another level. If she is locked loaded and ready to launch like that every point and every game look for more results like that to be the same. @naomiosaka
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) August 8, 2025
Macci also praised Osaka’s “mental effort,” noting that there was no decline in her form, even after her split with coach Patrick Mouratoglou just prior to the Canadian Open.
“What Osaka did in Canada was one of biggest night and day mental efforts we have seen in a long time. By having a coaching flip mentally there was no more dip. The negativity blast from the past did not last and now with a smile she went the extra mile. @naomiosaka,” Macci added.
What Osaka did in Canada was one of biggest night and day mental efforts we have seen in a long time. By having a coaching flip mentally there was no more dip. The negativity blast from the past did not last and now with a smile she went the extra mile. @naomiosaka
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) August 8, 2025
On her path to the final, Osaka defeated players like qualifier Ariana Arseneault, 13th seed Liudmila Samsonova, 22nd seed Jeļena Ostapenko, Anastasija Sevastova, 10th seed Elina Svitolina, and 16th seed Clara Tauson.
MORE: Naomi Osaka Confesses Her ‘Emotions Flipped’ During Canadian Open Heartbreak Amid Speech Drama
What’s Next for Naomi Osaka After Her Canadian Open Loss?
Following the conclusion of her campaign at the 2025 Canadian Open, Osaka will compete next at the Cincinnati Open, which commenced on August 5, 2025, and will run until August 18, 2025. The tournament is being held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.
Despite being unseeded in this WTA 1000 hard court event, the former World No. 1 will begin her run in the second round, having received a performance bye in the first round for reaching the final in Montreal. Osaka is set to face 20th seed Linda Nosková in her opening match.
This encounter will mark the first meeting between Osaka and Nosková on the WTA Tour. The winner of this second-round clash will advance to the third round, where they will compete against either 10th seed Elina Svitolina, Barbora Krejčíková, or Alycia Parks.
