Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, recently shared his thoughts on what Naomi Osaka needs to do after her first-round exit at the 2025 French Open.
Before this year, Osaka’s best performances at Roland Garros came when she reached the third round in 2016, 2018, and 2019.
Rick Macci’s Advice for Naomi Osaka After Early French Open Exit
Leading up to the French Open, Osaka played at the Italian Open, where she beat Sara Errani, Viktorija Golubic, and Marie Bouzkova in the first three rounds. In the fourth round, she lost a tight match to Peyton Stearns, 4-6, 6-3, 6-7(4).
At Roland Garros, Osaka faced 10th seed Paula Badosa in the first round. She started strong, taking the first set 7-6(1). But Badosa came back to win the next two sets, taking the match 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-4.
Osaka needs to take a step back to go many steps forward. She has the firepower and the pedigree but mentally as a competitor and world class athlete she needs to look at everything thru a different lens and never feel she is letting down friends. @naomiosaka
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) May 29, 2025
After Osaka’s early loss, Rick Macci took to social media to share his thoughts. He said Osaka needs to take a step back and look at her game in a new way.
Macci believes the four-time Grand Slam champion has the “firepower and the pedigree” to come back stronger.
Rick Macci Stresses the Importance of Mental Training
Macci also said Osaka needs to focus on her mental strength to return to the “winners group.”
Osaka needs to talk to a Mental Expert Coach who can explain the ART OF THE REFRAME. The brain is a muscle and it has to be trained properly and constantly molded. She is caught in a MENTAL LOOP but with the proper mental training can get back in the winners Group. @naomiosaka
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) May 29, 2025
He said Osaka should work with a mental coach who can teach her how to reframe setbacks and build confidence. And, despite her early exit at Roland Garros, Macci believes Osaka has what it takes to climb back into the top 10 in the WTA rankings.
Osaka has all the qualities to get back in the top ten. There is a fine line between winning/ losing. Her movement is not as explosive as before and overall anticipation is not as instinctive. A comeback is a slippery slope like a bar of soap but as long as working hard is her best friend she can get back in the top ten. @naomiosaka
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) May 27, 2025
Macci said Osaka’s movement and anticipation are not as sharp as they once were, but with hard work, she can make a comeback. Meanwhile, Paula Badosa is set to face Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the second round of the French Open after her win over Osaka.