‘Need to Get Back in Stride’ – Naomi Osaka Details the Difficulties of Having Her Father as a Coach

Naomi Osaka hasn’t had the best of times on the tennis court since her withdrawal from the French Open last year. A four-time Grand Slam champion, Osaka was destined for big things after clinching her fourth major title at the Australian Open 2021. However, injuries and loss of form haven’t helped her cause, as she has failed to win a title in more than a year.

Earlier this year, Osaka announced a split with her coach, Wim Fissette. Subsequently, her father, Leonard Francois, joined her coaching staff. Recently, the Japanese tennis star revealed her feelings about her father’s presence during her matches.

Naomi Osaka talks about her father being her coach

During an interview before the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, the former World Number 1 spoke about her father’s presence as a coach. She said, “I would say we are kind of getting re-used to each other, there is like a bit of a communication.”

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Further, she added, “I wouldn’t say mishap but like I just feel like I need to like get back in stride with him but we’re doing pretty well and I think, I don’t know, we’re just vibing.”

Osaka will look to bounce back after a disastrous campaign at the National Bank Open in Toronto. In the WTA 1000 tournament in Canada, she withdrew, citing a back injury, in the opening round clash against Kaia Kanepi.

Osaka’s draw in Cincinnati

In the first round of the Western and Southern Open, the Japanese star will take on China’s Shuai Zhang. It’ll be their sixth meeting, with Osaka winning three of the five matches played between them. Their match will take place later today.

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Further, if she manages to move past the first round, Osaka will face Ekaterina Alexandrova, who had earlier defeated Leylah Fernandez. The former world no.1 will be keen to find her form back before the US Open.