Naomi Osaka shares what Patrick Mouratoglou was telling her to do during her match with Julia Grabher at the ASB Classic

Naomi Osaka recently revealed the advice she received from renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou during her match against Julia Grabher at the ASB Classic. Osaka, who has been working with Mouratoglou to refine her game, shared insight into the tactical instructions he gave her during the intense match.

According to Osaka, Mouratoglou emphasized the importance of staying aggressive and controlling the points early on. “Patrick kept reminding me to step in and take control of the rallies,” Osaka said. “He was telling me to trust my shots and go for my forehand, to really put pressure on Grabher and not let her dictate the pace.”

Mouratoglou also encouraged Osaka to focus on maintaining her intensity throughout the match. “He kept saying I needed to stay focused and not let any opportunities slip,” Osaka added. “When the match got tight, he told me to keep my composure and just stick to the game plan.”

Osaka’s match against Grabher was a challenging one, with both players pushing each other in extended rallies. Mouratoglou’s advice to stay aggressive paid off as Osaka found her rhythm and secured the victory, moving forward in the tournament. The guidance she received from her coach helped her stay mentally sharp and play with confidence in key moments.

Osaka’s partnership with Mouratoglou, who has worked with top players like Serena Williams, has already shown positive results, as she continues to build on her comeback after time away from the sport. With Mouratoglou in her corner, Osaka is focused on making a strong impact in 2025, starting with her performance at the ASB Classic.