Naomi Osaka’s return to Flushing Meadows carries the weight of two championship memories and the promise of a transformed game. The former world No. 1 arrives at the 2025 US Open with renewed confidence, crediting her improved fitness and work with coach Tomasz Wiktorowski for elevating her tennis to new heights.
After reaching the Canadian Open final, where she fell to Victoria Mboko, Osaka enters the tournament as the third seed, ready to add another chapter to her New York success story.
How Has Tomasz Wiktorowski Transformed Naomi Osaka’s Approach?
Osaka’s partnership with Wiktorowski has become a cornerstone of her 2025 campaign. Speaking to the press before her singles campaign began, she praised her new coach’s direct communication style and vast knowledge base.
“I think mentally, physically, I’m working with a new coach. He’s really great. He’s just incredibly helpful. He cuts to the chase, and he makes me feel like he’s kind of the encyclopedia of tennis. So, it’s good to have someone like that in your corner,” Osaka said.
The impact extends beyond tactical adjustments. Osaka’s enhanced physical conditioning has fundamentally changed how she approaches points on court. The former World No. 1 explained how her improved movement has reduced the pressure she feels during rallies.
“And physically, I feel really good. I feel like I’m getting to balls very quickly. So, that’s very helpful because it makes me feel not as pressured to try to end the point. So, given we kind of adapt our game plan to who I’m playing, it should be a really interesting tournament,” she added.
This tactical flexibility represents a significant evolution from her previous playing style. Rather than forcing aggressive shots early in rallies, Osaka can now construct points more patiently, trusting her movement to keep her in favorable positions throughout exchanges.
What Can We Learn From Osaka’s Mixed Doubles Performance?
Before her singles campaign, Osaka tested her form alongside Gaël Monfils in the mixed doubles event. The wild card pairing drew considerable attention, but their tournament ended in the first round against Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti, losing 5-3, 4-2.
While the result wasn’t what they hoped for, the experience provided valuable court time at Flushing Meadows. Playing alongside Monfils allowed Osaka to settle into the tournament atmosphere and work on her improved movement patterns in competitive conditions.
The mixed doubles appearance also highlighted the relaxed confidence Osaka brings to this US Open. Her willingness to participate in the event with Monfils, despite the potential for early elimination, suggests a player comfortable with her preparation and eager for match play.
How Will Osaka Handle Her Opening Match Against Greet Minnen?
Osaka’s path through the draw begins with Belgian player Greet Minnen in the first round. The matchup presents an opportunity for the third seed to establish early momentum, particularly given their previous encounter.
Osaka holds a clear advantage based on their head-to-head record. The two players have met only once before on the WTA Tour, during the first round of the 2024 Madrid Open, where Osaka cruised to a 6-4, 6-1 victory.
However, Minnen arrives at the US Open after a challenging hard-court swing. She suffered first-round losses at both the Cincinnati Open and Tennis in the Land, falling to Maya Joint and Talia Gibson, respectively. These early exits suggest she may still be finding her rhythm on the American hard courts.
The winner of their first-round encounter will advance to face either Hailey Baptiste or Kateřina Siniaková in the second round. For Osaka, this opening match represents more than just a path to the next round — it’s a chance to showcase the improvements that have defined her 2025 season and begin another potential championship run at Flushing Meadows.
AloJapan.com