Osaka to work with Wiktorowski on trial after Mouratoglou split

Osaka Parts Ways with Mouratoglou, Eyes New Chapter with Wiktorowski

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka has announced a split with her coach Patrick Mouratoglou after less than a year together. The four-time Grand Slam champion took to social media on Monday to express gratitude for the experience and wish Mouratoglou well.

The parting comes just days before Osaka kicks off her campaign at the WTA Canadian Open in Montreal. She scored a convincing first-round victory over Canadian qualifier Ariana Arseneault, winning 6-4, 6-2 in 76 minutes.

Fresh Start with Experienced Polish Coach

Osaka has begun working with Polish coach Tomasz Wiktorowski on a trial basis. The experienced mentor boasts an impressive resume, having previously coached Poland's Agnieszka Radwańska to the Wimbledon final and world number two ranking in 2012, as well as Iga Swiatek during her rise to Grand Slam dominance.

Wiktorowski guided Swiatek to four of her six career Grand Slam singles titles, including the most recent victory at Wimbledon earlier this month.

Second-Round Matchup Against Samsonova Awaits

Ranked 49th, Osaka improved her record against players ranked outside the top 100 to an impressive 11-1.

She will face a tough challenge in the second round against 13th seed Liudmila Samsonova. The two have split their four previous encounters, but Osaka holds a winning record in hardcourt matches between them.

Reflecting on the Mouratoglou Era

Osaka began working with Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams, last September. While they achieved some success, including reaching the Auckland final in January, Osaka was plagued by abdominal injuries that forced her retirements from several matches, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Mouratoglou expressed gratitude for his time with Osaka on Instagram, stating he "will always root for you."