Inside Naomi Osaka's Split with Her Coach: 'We Couldn't Fix What Was Missing'

Naomi Osaka and renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou have officially parted ways, with the split confirmed in early August 2025. The separation, which came just months after their high-profile collaboration began, has taken the tennis world by surprise.

Mouratoglou offered a stark explanation for the breakup, citing Osaka's lack of competitive fire as the primary reason. Speaking publicly, the French coach revealed: 'We couldn't fix what was missing', referring to what he viewed as a diminished drive in the four-time Grand Slam champion.

A Brief Yet Anticipated Coaching Alliance

Osaka, 27, partnered with Mouratoglou in early 2025 following her return to the WTA Tour after maternity leave. The move generated excitement within the tennis community, as Mouratoglou has worked with several elite players including Serena Williams and Simona Halep. Many viewed the partnership as a strategic effort to restore Osaka's previous dominance on the court.

During their brief tenure, Osaka participated in multiple tour-level matches, including her first Grand Slam since giving birth. However, the results were mixed, with the former World No. 1 struggling to reach later rounds or display the consistency she was once known for.

Mouratoglou Speaks Out on the Core Issue

In a recent interview with CNN, Mouratoglou explained the root of the coaching split, highlighting what he believed was a critical performance gap.

'The thing that was missing was the competitiveness', Mouratoglou said. 'I think she's a great competitor, but at that time she was not as good as a competitor as I think can be and she has been in the past. And this is the thing that we didn't solve'.

The coach then said that although they did not have enough time to solve it, he has 'no regrets'.

Osaka's Comeback and Recent Form

Osaka's return to professional tennis earlier this year marked a new chapter in her career. After stepping away from the sport in 2022 to prioritise her mental health and later announcing her pregnancy in 2023, she re-entered the competitive scene with considerable anticipation.

Her performances have shown glimpses of potential, but she has yet to recapture the form that earned her four Grand Slam titles between 2018 and 2021. Observers noted inconsistencies in her movement, shot selection and match stamina, all of which may have contributed to Mouratoglou's concerns about her current level of competitiveness.

Public Reaction to the Split and Mouratoglou's Remarks

The news of the split and Mouratoglou's comments have stirred conversation across tennis forums and social media. While some fans sympathised with Osaka's post-maternity challenges, others questioned the blunt nature of Mouratoglou's public remarks.

As of this writing, Naomi Osaka has not issued a formal statement in response to Mouratoglou's interview. Her team has also remained silent about her next coaching decision.

What's Next for Osaka and Mouratoglou?

With the coaching relationship officially over, it remains to be seen whether Osaka will seek another high-profile coach or opt for a more private training approach. Meanwhile, Mouratoglou continues to work with rising talents on the ATP and WTA circuits, maintaining his presence as one of the sport's most influential coaching figures.