‘Time to Heal’- Naomi Osaka’s Coach Patrick Mouratoglou’s Earnest Note Sums Up Surreal Experience With the WTA Star

“I think for me the Asian swing is full of possibilities. I’ve always done really well at the end of the year. I always look forward to it.” – Naomi Osaka. However, her Asian swing didn’t start the way she would’ve planned! Osaka was forced to withdraw from the R16 match against Coco Gauff due to a back injury. Apart from her second match against Yulia Putintseva at the 2024 China Open, Osaka dominated each game before this blockbuster clash. So, fans were expecting her to make a deep run in this tournament, but sadly, her journey in Beijing ended abruptly. Her new coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, penned down an emotional message after Osaka’s sudden withdrawal.

What really led to this sudden withdrawal, though? Well, According to Naomi Osaka’s recent social media post, “I locked my back up during practice earlier and honestly wasn’t sure if I could even play but I just wanted to try, unfortunately, things just got progressively worse during the match.” Osaka had won the first by 6-3 and then Gauff made a strong comeback by winning the second set by 6-4. So, the match was well poised, and the fans were very excited to catch up on more exciting moments from this match.

Seeing Naomi Osaka withdrawing from this blockbuster clash is always a bit disappointing, but Mouratoglou is very “proud” of her efforts. He recently shared a post on his IG account where he wrote, “It’s been our first tournament together with @naomiosaka and it was so rich in terms or learning. From the practice sessions to the warm-ups on match days, to all the preparations and the match briefing and debriefings, I got so much to learn about her.” The Frenchman further added, “I also got to spend time with the amazing team around her @florin.zitz @simone._.elliott @matizukas. I am really proud of all her efforts, her focus, and willingness to learn and progress. It’s the best attitude to be in a growth process. Now is time to heal and get ready for new challenges.“

How nice it was from Mouratoglou to show support towards the Japanese, instead of showcasing just the disappointments. It will surely lift up her spirits! However, there was a time, you know, when Naomi Osaka initially wanted to “avoid” bringing in Serena Williams’ former coach. She thought Mouratoglou’s persona was so big that it’d difficult for her to get on with him. Later on, all her confusion and doubts were cleared when she finally met him on the court. Fans were happy to see their partnership clicking right from the word ‘go’ in Beijing. What’s lining up next for Osaka at the moment, though?

Naomi Osaka has entered the qualifying rounds of the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan. So, that’s going to be her next challenge. However, it remains to be seen if she is fit enough to participate in that event. Another incident happened in this match. This moment, however, brought some happiness to the faces of the fans. Shortly after her withdrawal from the match, we saw a beautiful gesture from Coco Gauff towards the Japanese superstar. What is it, though?

Coco Gauff reflects her love and respect for Naomi Osaka with a beautiful act of sportsmanship

Instead of celebrating, Coco Gauff was seen showing her empathy after the match towards Naomi Osaka by offering her opponent a hug. She even volunteered to carry her bag while helping her walk off the court. The American even asked Osaka if she was okay or if she needed any help. In reply to this heartwarming gesture, Osaka said, “Really?” in a very surprised voice. Fans inside the stadium cheered in the background as these two tennis stars walked off the court. What a beautiful moment it was for the sport!

During the post-match interview, Coco Gauff wished a quick recovery for Naomi Osaka. She said, “I wish Naomi a speedy recovery. Nobody wants to win a match like this, especially at one set all.” The 20-year-old American further revealed, “I just told her (Osaka) she should be proud of herself. It’s not easy. I think this is her first time winning three matches in a tournament [for a while]. So physically, you can do all the running you want, but match-fit is different. Hopefully, she’ll be fine. I think she’s signed up for Wuhan.” Gauff even shared an emotional message on her IG story after the match, showcasing her concern for the Japanese.

Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka have faced each other five times now. With the recent result in Beijing, Gauff has now taken a lead against the former world number one by a 3-2 margin. Do you want to see these two taking on each other yet again this year?