Naomi Osaka’s coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, shared an encouraging message for the Japanese star ahead of her second-round clash at Wimbledon. Osaka defeated Australia’s Talia Gibson in the opening round and will next face Katerina Siniaková.
The former World No. 1 is looking to turn the tide at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships. She couldn’t have the smoothest road on the clay with a victory at the WTA 125 event in Saint-Malo and a fourth-round finish at the WTA 1000 event in Rome being her best. Osaka is yet to make an impact on the grass-court swing, bowing out in the first round in Berlin and the second round in Bad Homburg.
Patrick Mouratoglou Shares Encouraging Message for Naomi Osaka Ahead of Wimbledon 2R
However, Osaka showed promise in her first-round match against Gibson at the SW19. The Japanese came from a break down in both sets and won the match 6-4, 7-6(4). Moreover, her 18 winners and five aces proved pivotal in her triumph against the Aussie. Notably, this was also Osaka’s second win on grass this summer.
As Osaka prepares to face Siniaková, her coach, Mouratoglou, shared an encouraging message on Instagram, championing an approach that values process over results. He shared a series of pictures from the four-time Major champ’s first-round match and wrote:
“No expectations besides competing and expressing your tennis @naomiosaka. That feels great! Wimbledon first round completed.”
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Mouratoglou, one of the most accomplished coaches on tour, is best known for his long and successful partnership with Serena Williams, helping her claim 10 of her 23 Grand Slam titles. He started working with Osaka in September last year and has consistently supported her through tough moments.
After her first-round loss at the French Open, the Japanese star admitted she felt frustrated and said she hates disappointing people, especially her coach. But Mouratoglou responded with a heartfelt post on social media, applauding her grit and honesty, and assuring her that a breakthrough isn’t far off.
Naomi Osaka Reflected on Her First-Round Match at the Wimbledon Championships
The opening-round encounter on Tuesday was also Osaka’s maiden meeting with Gibson. The 27-year-old admitted the nerves and unfamiliar opponent made it tricky, but felt relieved to pull through.
“I think just making my match today, playing someone that I’ve never played before, and also getting over the first-round nerves was a little tricky. I’m glad that I did it, and I hope that I have many more matches to come,” she said during her post-match press conference.
Osaka is set to face Siniaková in the second round on Wednesday, July 2. Their head-to-head stands evenly at 1-1, with this being their first meeting in nearly six years. Their previous encounter came at the 2019 French Open, where Osaka won 6-4, 6-2. The match holds added importance for the Japanese, who aim to reach the third round of the Championships for the first time since 2018.
