Naomi Osaka’s fine form at the Canadian Open has continued, winning her second-fastest match of her career to reach the quarter-finals.
It was the veteran Latvian who was on the receiving end of her fury, with Anastasija Sevastova being swept aside 6-0, 6-1, in a clash that didn’t even make it to the 50-minute mark.
Whilst never nice to see for the loser, it’s refreshing to see the four-time Grand Slam champion back looking so ruthless, and once again into the latter stages of an elite competition.
It seems that Naomi Osaka is suffering no hangover from her split with Patrick Mouratoglou late last month, and for that, she has new coach Tomasz Wiktorowski to thank.
Naomi Osaka reveals what it’s like working with new coach Tomasz Wiktorowski
The Polish tactician, who is most famed for his spell working with Iga Swiatek, is a wise and stern figure from the outside.
Alas, Osaka has sought to dispel one claim about him, despite having only worked with him during the ongoing Canadian Open.
Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
And even though it remains just a trial period, regardless of what the future holds, it’s pleasing to see the Japanese tennis star back smiling and crushing her opponents with big hitting once again.
Asked about Wiktorowski, and what she likes specifically about his coaching style, she replied: “Honestly, I think for me, what’s working well is I am very confident in my fitness. I’m really comfortable just getting balls back now, and I really enjoy Tomasz. I don’t know if to say his name is ‘Thomas’ or ‘Tomasz.’ I’m so sorry.
“But I enjoy his coaching style. He’s very direct and to the point. For someone like me, who my thoughts scatter around often, it’s very helpful.”
Osaka split with Mouratoglou just last month, and already that is looking like a smart move. Next up is Elina Svitolina for a place in the semi-finals of this Masters 1000 event.
What did Naomi Osaka say about Patrick Mouratoglou after their split?
As is almost always the case, the split between a coach and player was handled with great grace in the media.
After all, both Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic clearly had their differences and disagreed on the way forward, but have treated one another with the utmost respect and continued to praise their respective work since.
Merci Patrick ❤️ it was such a great experience learning from you. Wishing you nothing but the best. You are one of the coolest people l’ve ever met and I’m sure I’ll see you around 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/oLInWTyeYw
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) July 27, 2025
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Alas, Mouratoglou was criticised for what he said during his time coaching Osaka, with the Frenchman a rather polarising figure at times.
That being said, the 27-year-old was not about to badmouth the man who once coached Serena Williams to ultimate glory, and instead wrote on social media: “Merci Patrick. It was such a great experience learning from you. Wishing you nothing but the best. You are one of the coolest people I’ve ever met and I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
Mouratoglou returned by claiming he was “grateful for the trust, the journey and what we have built together.”
A cordial split between two huge names within tennis.
AloJapan.com