Osaka discusses coaching from father: 'He kind of lets me do my own thing, which I like'

Wednesday, 06 November 2019 at 15:30

Naomi Osaka has been working with her father on the coaching side as of late and since the US Open has not lost a match.

Osaka recently discussed his influence and said that while he's annoying and doesn't give her any tactics. He lets her do her own thing while also giving structure.

The Japanese player added that she feels she needs that guidance or advice from someone and that she feels like otherwise she almost has two separate personalities.

"He's so annoying, Oh, my God", Osaka said smiling. "Do you hear his on-court coaching? I can't believe it. He runs up to the bench talking about, Be calm. That's it. He doesn't give me any tactics. I can't believe this. I was so mad (laughter).

But, yeah, definitely I don't think my dad likes watching me play live. Normally everyone knows he sort of just walks around and gets sneak glimpses at the TV monitor. Yeah, for me, he kind of lets me do my own thing, which I like.

Also I feel like I need structure a little bit because if I do my own thing for too long, I don't know, I feel like I need guidance or advice from someone, you know?" "Everyone that knows me knows, like, I feel like it's two separate personalities.

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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