Naomi Osaka was outplayed by the USA’s Emma Navarro in straight sets in the second round of the 2025 Bad Homburg Open, extending her disappointing run leading up to Wimbledon.
Following her exit from the WTA 500 event, Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci weighed in on Osaka’s performance. The American pointed out key elements Osaka is failing to implement, which he believes are preventing her from reaching her full potential on grass.
Serena Williams’ Former Coach, Rick Macci, Speaks Candidly About Naomi Osaka Post Bad Homburg Defeat
Osaka appeared out of rhythm from the outset, though her serve remained effective, as she fired nine aces during Tuesday’s clash. The four-time Major champion squandered three break-point chances in the fourth game of the second set, and Navarro ultimately sealed a 6-4, 6-4 victory in one hour and 29 minutes.
Williams’ former coach, Macci, a frequent presence on X, suggested that Osaka’s struggles on grass may stem from not liking the surface.
“Some players cannot play maybe as well on grass because they do not like it. Remember if you do not like it the grass feels the same way about you. @naomiosaka,” he wrote.
In another post, Macci praised Osaka’s serve on grass, especially when using her slice. However, he noted her baseline control and timing are slightly off compared to her past form.
“Osaka and her serve on grass is one of the best if she is using her slice. Her serve alone can keep her right there with anybody. But she is not controlling the baseline like in the past and her ability to run thru balls and produce quality is a few milliseconds late,” he weighed in.
Osaka and her serve on grass is one of the best if she is using her slice. Her serve alone can keep her right there with anybody. But she is not controlling the baseline like in the past and her ability to run thru balls and produce quality is a few milliseconds late. @naomiosaka
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) June 25, 2025
The Japanese star returned to the tour in 2024 after a lengthy maternity break. Osaka made her first Wimbledon appearance that year, having skipped the tournament for four consecutive editions prior to that. Her grass-court campaign this season has been far from ideal, marked by a first-round exit in Berlin and a second-round defeat in Bad Homburg.
Serena Williams’ Former Coach, Rick Macci, Had Reflected on Naomi Osaka’s Game Earlier As Well
As noted, Osaka endured a disappointing first-round exit at the Berlin Tennis Open last week, falling to Liudmila Samsonova in a hard-fought three-set battle. Following the loss, Rick Macci pointed out that her once-elite movement and baseline control have noticeably declined.
“When Osaka was at her best the movement was Elite and controlled the baseline with her Feet. Now many times she is on her Heels and a step late with her Wheels. Needs to control the center of the court and she can still be one of the best in the sport.
@naomiosaka,” he wrote.
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Notably, Osaka has remained open about her mental state. After her defeat in Berlin, she made a plea on Threads, seeking advice from older generations for tackling her ongoing inner struggle.