Naomi Osaka lost her touch following her pregnancy hiatus from the tour. She remained sidelined for over a year and when she returned, the Japanese star couldn’t produce the same effect. Despite such concerns, she remained positive and brought a change to her coaching staff. She joined forces with Serena Williams‘ ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou and subsequently, opened up about her decision to switch coaches.

The former World No. 1 split with former coach Wim Fissette in September this year. The duo worked together for two stints, with Osaka lifting the 2020 New York Slam and the 2021 Australian Open under his tutelage. However, when Osaka resumed her work with the Belgian coach after welcoming her daughter Shai, in July 2023, her partnership wasn’t effective anymore. Fissette couldn’t help her achieve triumphant results and hoping to move forward, Osaka found shelter in Mouratoglou’s camp.

The pair showcased their maiden partnership at the China Open, offering them the perfect opportunity to flaunt their talents however, Osaka’s journey was unfortunately cut short due to an injury concern. As the 2025 season nears commencement, the Japanese sensation has jetted for the ASB Classic in Auckland and touched down on the reasons behind her surprise move to partner with Frenchman while talking to the reporters during a pre-tournament presser.

She said, “The coaching change happened right before the Asian swing, which was only one tournament, but I felt pretty good about it. With Patrick, he has such a big persona. I’m quite a shy person, so just getting to know him and trusting him and interacting with him a lot more, I think we’ve been able to do that a lot more this tournament. I’m happy about that, and I’m also curious to see what he says too.”

After finishing the year ranked No. 58, Naomi Osaka also addressed her future in the sport after landing in Auckland for her season-opening campaign.

Naomi Osaka hints at retirement if she cannot retain the desired ranking on the WTA

Japanese superstar came back after a 15-month pregnancy hiatus. Her absence and time away from the sport gave her time to think about her future if things didn’t roll her way. Unfortunately for fans, Osaka says she’ll be forced to consider retirement if she cannot maintain her status on the WTA rankings chart. During a conversation with the Auckland press, the four-time Major winner expressed that she will consider ‘stepping away’ from the competition and, instead, spend time with her daughter if such a situation arises.

She said, “I don’t think I’m the type of player that would hang around. I have a lot of respect for all the players on tour, but the point of my life that I’m at right now if I’m not above a certain ranking, I don’t see myself playing for a while. I’d rather spend time with my daughter if I’m not where I think I should be and where I feel like I can be. I think 2024 humbled me, but I also feel like I grew a lot. I guess it was very painful to not get the results I wanted, but I feel like I’m growing and learning and I am excited for this year.”

The former World No. 1 will launch her singles campaign in Auckland against Israeli qualifier Lina Glushko for a place in the Round of 16 on Monday, December 30. Do you think Osaka can regain her old rhythm in the Australian hard-court swing?