Naomi Osaka credits Mouratoglou’s key advice for Auckland victory: "I definitely do trust him a lot"
WTA
Naomi Osaka praised her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, after securing a victory over Julia Grabher at the ASB Classic. The former world No. 1 advanced to the quarterfinals in Auckland, marking her first appearance at that stage of a tournament since June last year.
The four-time Grand Slam champion returned to the tour in 2024 and made significant progress in the rankings, finishing the year as world No. 57. With her sights set on climbing back to the top, Osaka brought on high-profile coach Mouratoglou to guide her journey. The Frenchman has previously coached Serena Williams, Simona Halep, and Holger Rune, among others.
Osaka hails Mouratoglou’s guidance
The match against Grabher, a former world No. 56 recovering from a wrist injury in 2023, was no easy task. The Auckland encounter was interrupted by rain, providing Osaka with an opportunity to consult with Mouratoglou. His clear and concise advice proved pivotal.
“I think for me it’s about trust. I don’t really talk too much when I first meet a person, but obviously as the weeks and the days and the matches go by, we talk more and more and we build a better relationship,” Osaka shared.
“So during the, not changeover, but during the little rain delay, he just had two points for me that were very clear, and I was really grateful for that, because it wasn’t like he gave me a whole spiel on what to do. I definitely do trust him a lot.”
When asked about the key points Mouratoglou mentioned, Osaka said: “He’s going to kill me because if I say I don’t remember… I think one of them was definitely swinging a bit more and feeling more free because when I tense up, I don’t follow through on my shots. And then the second one is just to stay a little further back on my return.”
The two-time Australian Open champion now awaits her quarterfinal opponent, who will emerge from the match between Jodie Burrage and Hailey Baptiste.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
