Naomi Osaka`s disappointment was evident following her first-round defeat to Paula Badosa at the French Open last month.
Despite winning the initial set in a thrilling tiebreaker and competing for over two hours on Court Philippe Chatrier, she ultimately couldn`t secure the win.
The 27-year-old found it difficult to speak during her subsequent news conference.
Expressing her emotions, she stated, “I feel like I should be doing better.” She added, “I hate disappointing people,” mentioning her coach Patrick Mouratoglou and feeling inadequate compared to his previous work with players like Serena Williams.
She quickly apologized for her language before taking a moment to compose herself, leaving the room briefly.
While it would have been understandable if she hadn`t returned, she did so shortly after, finding a positive perspective when asked how the match could strengthen her.
Osaka noted, “I feel like I learn little things from each match.” She referenced a tiebreaker loss in Rome versus winning one in Paris, stating she is “conscious of things when I`m playing, so maybe the next match I play I`ll learn little things from today.”
According to her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, who began working with Osaka in September, she has made progress. He feels optimistic about her prospects as Wimbledon begins. Despite never passing the third round there, Osaka is ready for her first-round match against qualifier Talia Gibson, having moved past the French Open disappointment.
As a former world No. 1 and four-time major champion, Osaka faces high external expectations. However, her team is focusing on her game and process rather than immediate title wins, believing results will follow.
Mouratoglou commented, “For the last two years she hasn`t won as much as she has in the past, and it can be difficult to deal with.” He emphasized focusing on controllable aspects and the process, stating, “The results will come if the focus is on the right place.”
Following the match against the tenth-seeded Badosa, Mouratoglou discussed the loss with Osaka to understand contributing factors. He recognized her need for a break after a long clay season and first title since maternity leave, and she spent time at home with her nearly 2-year-old daughter, Shai.
18-time major champion and ESPN analyst Chris Evert suggested that being a mother might help Osaka cope with losses, providing valuable perspective.
Osaka has been open about this newfound perspective since returning to the tour. Having previously struggled with mental health and taken breaks, motherhood has given her another focal point separate from her tennis performance.
Osaka herself shared, “Giving birth to my daughter changed my mindset a lot… I guess I`ve just found outer happiness and inner peace.”
Mouratoglou observed this positive attitude when Osaka returned to Europe for the brief grass-court season, noting, “She`s really moved on. She`s not thinking about Roland Garros at all.”
Three weeks after Paris, Osaka played at the Berlin Open, losing a close three-setter to Liudmila Samsonova, but showing encouraging signs. Seeking more grass-court experience, she accepted a wild card to the Bad Homburg Open, where she secured her first grass win of the season against Olga Danilovic in two tight tiebreak sets.
After the Bad Homburg win, Osaka said, “I hope so,” regarding becoming a good grass-court player. She added, “I mean, I think I have potential… just super excited that I won today.”
Mouratoglou was impressed by her improved level, serving, and handling of break points during the match. Although she lost her next match to Emma Navarro, the team considered the week productive.
Crucially, Osaka felt positive about her performance.
Mouratoglou reported, “She was very positive,” emphasizing her sincerity. He quoted her saying she is “really happy with how she is playing and that she feels that it`s all going to click soon.”
Mouratoglou acknowledged the difficulty for Osaka, who reached tennis`s peak, to navigate being ranked No. 53. He believes she is accepting this new challenge and is now “sure” that things will “click” if she is patient.
Despite challenges, she has shown promise, reaching a WTA final in Auckland and the fourth round in Miami and Rome this year. Mouratoglou feels she is starting to appreciate the process and her efforts.
Mouratoglou stated, “She`s been No. 1 in the world, so to be No. 50 and having to be patient doing everything right, that`s what she feels is difficult.” He added, “this is just a [new] difficulty that she needs to accept, but I feel she does.”
Others, including Badosa and Evert, have recognized her dedication and glimpses of her past brilliance. Evert praised her ball striking and fitness but highlighted confidence as key to her full return.
After their Paris match, Badosa commented, “Very, very soon she`s going to be where she wants to be, for sure,” praising Osaka`s level.
Evert believes Osaka has lost some “belief on the big points” in close matches, stating she “can get it back” by winning more tight encounters.
Mouratoglou agrees, noting her high level in practice and working to translate it to matches, believing they are close to achieving this.
While recent Grand Slam draws have been tough due to her seeding, Osaka faces qualifier Talia Gibson, a 21-year-old debutante, in her Wimbledon opener. A win would likely pit her against No. 5 seed Zheng Qinwen, whom she has lost to recently, but grass is considered Zheng`s weakest surface. The winner might not face another top 20 seed until the quarterfinals.
In her previous four Wimbledon appearances, Osaka reached the third round twice (2017, 2018) and the second round last year. Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick recently expressed optimism about her grass-court potential.
Her team shares this belief and sees her lower profile this year as a potential advantage, reducing external pressure.
Therefore, despite her past Wimbledon record, this tournament might be the ideal opportunity for Osaka to regain her form.
Mouratoglou concluded, “We know there`s less pressure for her to play well on grass. It`s an opportunity to go there and play with less pressure… The rest will follow.”
Marcus Bellamy