The grind of a tennis comeback can break players down or build them back up. For Naomi Osaka, one pivotal moment against Liudmila Samsonova at the 2025 Canadian Open proved exactly which direction her journey was heading.
Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci shared his thoughts after Naomi Osaka secured her spot in the third round of the 2025 Canadian Open.
What Did Serena Williams’ Former Coach Say After Naomi Osaka Advanced to 2025 Canadian Open Third Round?
Osaka’s path to the third round this year began with a straightforward first-round victory over qualifier Ariana Arseneault, 6-4, 6-2. However, her second-round match against 13th seed Samsonova tested every ounce of her mental fortitude.
After dropping the opening set 4-6, the former World No. 1 found herself in familiar territory, battling both her opponent and the doubt that creeps in during difficult moments. But this time was different, as Osaka clawed back to win the second set in a tiebreak and closed out the match with a decisive third set, securing a 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-3 win.
The comeback caught the attention of tennis coach Rick Macci, who worked with Serena Williams during her development years. Macci recognized something special in Osaka’s performance, and wrote: “Confidence is a fleeting thing. Little things make the biggest difference. One word one point one moment can trigger more desire light a new fire that can inspire change that wire and lift you higher. @naomiosaka.”
Confidence is a fleeting thing. Little things make the biggest difference. One word one point one moment can trigger more desire light a new fire that can inspire change that wire and lift you higher. @naomiosaka
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) July 31, 2025
The timing of Macci’s message speaks to the broader narrative surrounding Osaka’s return to form. Leading up to the Canadian Open, she participated in the 2025 Citi DC Open, where she defeated Yulia Putintseva in the first round before falling to Emma Raducanu in the second.
Last year’s Canadian Open saw similar mixed results, with a first-round victory over Ons Jabeur followed by a second-round exit to Elise Mertens.
Who Will Naomi Osaka Face Next at Canadian Open 2025?
Osaka’s reward for her hard-fought victory over Samsonova is a third-round clash with 22nd seed Jeļena Ostapenko, setting up an intriguing matchup between two former Grand Slam champions.
Ostapenko arrives in Montreal after a challenging 2025 Wimbledon Championships, where her singles campaign ended in the first round with a 5-7, 6-2, 2-6 loss to Sonay Kartal. However, the Latvian found more success in doubles, partnering with Hsieh Su-wei to reach the finals before falling 6-3, 2-6, 4-6 to Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens.
At the Canadian Open, Ostapenko received a first-round bye as the 22nd seed and opened her campaign against Renata Zarazúa. The match required all three sets, but Ostapenko ultimately prevailed 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 to set up the third-round encounter with Osaka.
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History favors Osaka in this matchup. The two have met twice on the WTA Tour, with the Japanese star winning both encounters. Their most recent meeting came in the first round of the 2024 US Open, where Osaka dominated 6-3, 6-2.
The stakes for both players extend beyond this single match. The winner will advance to face either two-time defending champion and third seed Jessica Pegula or Anastasija Sevastova in the fourth round.
AloJapan.com