Naomi Osaka returned to action at the start of the 2024 season after being away from the tour since late 2022. She gave birth to her daughter, Shai, during this period. Her second innings on the tour was off to a decent start, and by the end of the season, she had a 22-18 record and ranked in the top 60.
Osaka won four Major titles, two each at the Australian Open and the US Open, from 2018 to 2021. During her absence from the tour, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina have established themselves as the tour’s top guns. They have captured nine of the 12 Majors between them since the start of 2022.
Osaka will now aim to re-establish herself as a top threat on a consistent basis after a few decent results in 2024. On that note, here’s a look at why she could prove to be a big contender in 2025:
#3 – Naomi Osaka now has a more positive approach to tennis
Naomi Osaka’s struggles with mental health have been well documented. She even withdrew from the French Open 2021 because of the same, and then pulled out of Wimbledon as well. Following an unsuccessful title defense at the US Open a few months later, she went on a hiatus.
However, Osaka has emerged stronger from her past ordeals. She was better prepared to handle the ups and downs of tennis following her return from maternity break. While she achieved a decent level of success this year, there were some heartbreaking losses as well.
Osaka didn’t let those losses affect her negatively, and instead focused on learning from her mistakes. A loss would leave her visibly affected for days a couple of years ago but that’s not the case anymore. Her continued positive approach could make her even stronger in the coming season.
#2 – Naomi Osaka would be a force to be reckoned with more matches under her belt
2024 was Osaka’s first year on the tour after giving birth to her daughter. She took some time to get going, and lost three of her first four matches before making the last eight at the Qatar Open, a WTA 1000 tournament. She also reached the fourth round of the Italian Open, another WTA 1000 tournament.
Osaka also pushed two-time defending champion Swiatek to the brink at the French Open. She held a match point against her younger rival during their second-round showdown. However, couldn’t close out the proceedings and lost the match.
Despite the loss, it was a positive sign for Osaka. Clay is her weakest surface, and almost beating Swiatek, who is now the best player on the red dirt, displayed what she is capable of. Consistency was an issue for her this year, and after playing a full season, she would have a better idea of how to prepare for 2025 and what she needs to do.
Osaka is also not shying away from competing in smaller tournaments. Prior to her maternity break, many questioned her commitment to the tour. However, she has shown her dedication since her return, and she’s only going to get better as a result of playing more matches.
#1 – Naomi Osaka and Patrick Mouratoglou’s partnership could yield strong results in 2025
Following her second-round exit from the US Open, Osaka parted ways with her coach Wim Fissette. Her hunt for his replacement didn’t last for too long, and she hired Serena Williams’ ex-coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, in September as her new coach.
Williams won 10 Major titles, among other accolades, with Mouratoglou by her side. Their partnership commenced in 2012, and lasted until 2022. Osaka was already off to a promising start under her new coach.
The China Open was their first tournament together, and Osaka advanced to the fourth round there. Unfortunately, a back injury forced her to throw in the towel during her fourth-round match against Coco Gauff. She then ended her season as well because of the injury.
Williams hired Mouratoglou after her first-ever opening-round exit at a Major, which took place at the French Open 2012. She experienced a career renaissance after that, and became a dominant force in the sport once again. Osaka is another talented player, and given her coach’s reputation, she could rise to even greater heights in the coming season.
