Mouratoglou makes his mea culpa regarding Osaka: "I didn't handle the situation well enough"

Naomi Osaka, former world number one, is shining again on the WTA tour since her split with Patrick Mouratoglou. The French coach acknowledges his mistakes in their collaboration but also highlights the progress made by the Japanese player.

Patrick Mouratoglou, who became Naomi Osaka's coach at the end of 2024, has not worked with the Japanese player since the end of the grass-court season this year. Since the end of their partnership, the former world number one has been thriving, reaching the final of the WTA 1000 in Montreal and the semifinals of the US Open.

These performances have allowed her to re-enter the top 15 for the first time since her return from pregnancy. The French coach recently reflected on his collaboration with the 27-year-old player and admitted his share of responsibility for the lack of results from his former protégée.

"The results weren't good enough, and that's completely understandable. I think we did a lot of good things, but, at least from a coaching perspective, just one thing you don't master can ruin everything.

She improved a lot, and her attitude was excellent. However, she wasn't playing well enough during matches, and that's what ruined everything. In hindsight, I realize I didn't handle the situation well enough; otherwise, the results would have been better.

I think it was a bit difficult for her, considering what I accomplished with Serena (Williams) over the years. She talked about it several times, even publicly, and I didn't find a way to relieve her of that pressure. That's why she didn't achieve good results.

As soon as I stopped being involved in what was happening, it probably became easier for her. Without that pressure, she was able to express herself more freely. But I don't blame her. She's an excellent player," Mouratoglou stated to The Tennis Gazette.