Former top-ranked player Naomi Osaka beat Lucia Bronzetti 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the China Open in Beijing. This is her first match under Serena Williams’ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Osaka was finally returned to the Beijing event for the first time since triumphing there in 2019.
Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion showed her class in closing out the first-round match against the No. 77-ranked Italian player in 83 minutes. She next plays Yulia PutintSeva, a 21st-seeded player from Kazakhstan, in the second round. How far will Osaka be able to advance as she begins this new chapter of her career?
Osaka Convinced She Found Right Coach
Under the guidance of new coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Naomi Osaka seems to have a great start. After the disappointing result at the US Open, Osaka decided to split from her long-term coach Wim Fissette. She immediately turned to Frenchman Mouratoglou, who is best known as Serena Williams’ coach for the last 10 years of her career.
The 26-year-old Osaka admitted she had doubts over Mouratoglou initially. But after her first win in Beijing, she was convinced she had found the right coach. “He absolutely is a really good coach. I’m really glad that he’s taking this project on, as well,” she said. Osaka returned to the tour at the start of the season following the birth of her daughter Shai last year.
Osaka Hopes For Long-Term Partnership
Osaka is looking to reignite her career following a patchy run of form after her maternity break. She then decided to split with coach Fissette earlier this month after four years together across two stints. The former number one then arrived in Beijing with Mouratoglou.
After claiming the first win with Mouratoglou, Osaka had determined that she wanted to have a long-term partnership with him. Osaka said she was initially hesitant to approach Mouratoglou who also worked with Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Simona Halep, and Holger Rune. But she was convinced to work with him after having a great time working together in Beijing. “He absolutely is a really good coach,” she said.
A Long Journey Ahead
Osaka now can build more confidence to face the second round of the China Open. She has stated that she will have no regrets after confirming that she teamed up with Mouratoglou. Osaka has struggled to put together victories since she returned to the WTA Tour in January. She bowed out in the second round of the US Open. Her best results since returning to action have been two quarterfinal appearances.
Meanwhile, some American players are also making a good start in Beijing. Former Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin advanced with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Ana Bogdan of Romania. Taylor Townsend joined Kenin after beating Martina Trevisan 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, as well as Katie Volynets who had a 7-5, 6-1 win over Dalma Galfi.
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