Naomi Osaka plans to address Patrick Mouratoglou's recent controversial remarks about women's tennis. The tennis star, who has been working with Mouratoglou since September 2024, admitted she was unaware of the specific comments until recently.
Mouratoglou, a highly respected coach who has worked with Serena Williams and Simona Halep, sparked controversy at Roland Garros when he suggested that women's tennis lacked superstars. This statement drew criticism and raised questions about the perception of the women's game.
During a pre-Wimbledon press conference, Osaka was questioned about Mouratoglou's statement. While initially claiming ignorance, she revealed her intention to discuss the matter with her coach. “Oh, no, I didn’t hear that,” said Osaka. “But I don’t know, maybe we should do a powwow about the things that he says.”
Osaka also commented on the Roland Garros decision to exclude women's matches from the night sessions, calling it “weird.” This highlights ongoing discussions about gender equality and representation in tennis.
The partnership between Osaka and Mouratoglou has seen some success, including Osaka's first clay court title. However, Mouratoglou has acknowledged that Osaka's results have been inconsistent. The upcoming conversation between them could be crucial in shaping their future collaboration and addressing potential underlying issues.
Osaka's Focus on Wimbledon
Despite the controversy, Osaka remains focused on preparing for Wimbledon. She is known for her dedication and determination, and will likely channel her energy into performing her best on the court.
Looking Ahead
The outcome of Osaka's conversation with Mouratoglou remains to be seen. It will be interesting to observe how this situation impacts their working relationship and Osaka's performance in upcoming tournaments. The tennis world will be watching closely.