Naomi Osaka, one of tennis’s brightest stars, is currently at a pivotal moment in her career. After parting ways with her long-time coach Patrick Mouratoglou, she is searching for the right formula to rekindle her winning streak and assert her place among the sport’s elite once again. The journey of a professional athlete is seldom linear, and Osaka’s story is no exception. Having burst onto the scene with four Grand Slam titles by the age of 23, she quickly became not just a champion but a global icon, renowned for her powerful game and her advocacy on mental health. Yet, the pressures of the spotlight and challenges on the court have tested her resilience.

Enter Rick Macci, a legendary figure in tennis coaching whose influence shaped the early careers of icons like Serena Williams and Venus Williams. Macci is revered for his ability to recognize and nurture raw talent, helping players refine their skills with tactical precision. His coaching philosophy blends technical rigor with mental toughness, qualities that have propelled his pupils to success across decades. Macci’s insights into Osaka’s current struggles have captured the attention of fans and experts alike.

In a candid series of social media posts, Macci offered a clear-eyed diagnosis and practical advice for Osaka. He described the fine line between winning and losing as razor-thin and emphasized that Osaka, with the right guidance, could “flip the script” and reclaim her spot among the top ranks. One key observation raised by Macci concerned Osaka’s footwork, specifically her split step—a critical movement that allows a player to respond quickly and effectively to an opponent’s shot. Macci noted that Osaka’s split step appeared “way off,” suggesting a dip in her anticipation and reaction time, which are vital in high-level tennis.

Historically, split-step timing has been a hallmark of great defensive players like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, who combine it with exceptional court coverage. For Osaka, fine-tuning this element could restore her ability to transition seamlessly between offense and defense, making her game more unpredictable and harder to counter.

Beyond footwork, Macci also pointed to Osaka’s serve—a weapon that, at its best, has overwhelmed opponents with pace and precision. While Osaka’s “unreal live arm” generates impressive speed, Macci believes her serve could be even more effective with increased consistency and improved racquet positioning. Successful servers often blend power with high percentages of first serves landing in play, forcing opponents into defensive positions early in rallies. Achieving this balance could give Osaka a substantial advantage, allowing her to dictate matches as she did during her peak Grand Slam runs.

Osaka’s upcoming appearance at the Canadian Open in Montreal offers a significant opportunity to implement these changes. She is set to face Ariana Arseneault in the first round—a match that, while challenging, could serve as a proving ground for adjustments in her technique and mindset. The Canadian Open has historically been a launchpad for players making comebacks or consolidating form ahead of the US Open, one of the sport’s four majors.

Her journey also bears echoes of other tennis legends who have faced slumps and returned stronger. For instance, Serena Williams herself experienced periods of struggle due to injuries and personal challenges but continually reinvented her game to remain competitive at the highest level well into her late 30s. Osaka’s own story is still unfolding, and the resilience that brought her early success hints at the potential for a remarkable resurgence.

Macci’s emphasis on mindset cannot be overstated. Tennis is as much a mental game as it is physical, and the ability to maintain focus, adapt tactics mid-match, and stay calm under pressure often distinguishes champions from contenders. Naomi Osaka has previously spoken openly about the psychological challenges of the sport and her determination to prioritize her mental health alongside her athletic goals. By integrating technical improvements with renewed mental clarity, she might unlock a new chapter in her career.

Ultimately, Macci’s message is clear: winning and losing are often separated by the smallest margins, and with a few crucial adjustments and the right mentorship, Osaka has the tools to climb back into the top ten by the end of the year. Her talent, combined with her well-documented work ethic and resilience, suggests that this tennis star is far from finished making history. Fans around the world will be watching closely as she takes to the court in Montreal, hopeful that these next steps lead to more thrilling victories and another era of dominance. In the volatility of professional tennis, it is these moments of challenge and reinvention that often define legacy. For Naomi Osaka, the best might still be ahead.