In a dramatic turn of events that sent shockwaves through the tennis world, former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka stunned fans and critics alike by publicly blaming her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, for her unexpected loss to Spain’s Paula Badosa in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open—and subsequently firing him immediately after the match.

The Japanese tennis star, known for her candid nature and emotional transparency, fell to Badosa in straight sets: 6-4, 7-5. While the match itself was competitive, Osaka looked visibly frustrated throughout and skipped her usual on-court post-match handshake with her coach, raising eyebrows even before the news broke.

The Shocking Statement

Just minutes after the loss, Osaka held a brief and tense press conference in which she directly addressed her performance—and pointed fingers.

“I didn’t lose today because I played badly,” Osaka said. “I lost because I wasn’t prepared in the right way. That’s on my team. That’s on Patrick.”

The room fell silent as Osaka continued:

“I’m making a change. Starting today, Patrick is no longer my coach. I need people who understand how to bring the best out of me—not bring confusion and chaos into my game.”

The announcement came as a bombshell, not only because of its swiftness but because Mouratoglou is one of the sport’s most respected figures. Known for his long-standing coaching relationship with Serena Williams and more recently with players like Holger Rune, Mouratoglou had only been with Osaka for six months.

Fan Backlash Erupts

Almost immediately, fans took to social media in defense of Mouratoglou, condemning Osaka’s remarks as “unprofessional,” “disrespectful,” and “impulsive.” Twitter and Reddit threads lit up with heated debates over her decision, with hashtags like #JusticeForPatrick and #TeamMouratoglou trending within hours.

A user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:

“Osaka blaming her coach after a loss she played in? That’s not leadership, that’s scapegoating.”

Another chimed in:

“Patrick Mouratoglou is a world-class coach. This is not how you treat someone who’s trying to help you succeed.”

Many pointed to Osaka’s own unforced errors and lackluster energy during the match, arguing that the loss was more about execution than strategy.

Mouratoglou Responds Calmly

Later that evening, Patrick Mouratoglou broke his silence with a statement posted to his Instagram:

“I’ve always believed in accountability and professionalism. Coaching is about trust, communication, and mutual respect. I wish Naomi all the best moving forward.”

The post received over 100,000 likes in less than three hours, with comments overwhelmingly supportive of Mouratoglou and critical of Osaka’s behavior.

A Pattern Emerging?

This isn’t the first time Osaka has made headlines for her off-court decisions. While she has previously stepped back from the game to focus on mental health, many fans and analysts are beginning to see a pattern of instability in her team dynamics.

ESPN tennis analyst Chris Evert commented:

“It’s okay for players to make changes, but the manner matters. Publicly firing a coach after a loss, with blame involved, is not the best look for any athlete—especially one with the global platform Osaka has.”

Still, some fans came to Osaka’s defense, arguing that she had every right to make a quick decision if she felt her growth was being hindered.

“She’s under pressure, she’s trying to reclaim her best form, and maybe she needs a different voice. Let’s not tear her down for doing what she thinks is right,” one supporter wrote.

What’s Next for Osaka?

The fallout from this decision may linger longer than expected. With Roland-Garros just around the corner, Osaka now finds herself coachless, under scrutiny, and once again navigating a media storm.

A source close to Osaka’s camp suggested she may reunite with her former coach Wim Fissette or even take time to recalibrate before making another long-term decision.

Meanwhile, Paula Badosa—who played a solid, composed match—has advanced to the semifinals and politely declined to comment on the drama surrounding her opponent.

A Career at a Crossroads

Naomi Osaka remains one of the most influential athletes of her generation, both on and off the court. However, with injuries, inconsistent performances, and now public conflict within her camp, the question remains: Can she regain the dominance she once held?

Only time will tell. But one thing is clear—this week in Rome has changed everything for Naomi Osaka, Patrick Mouratoglou, and perhaps the future of women’s tennis as a whole.