Japan star Naomi Osaka ‘understanding her mission’ to dominate tennis world, says coach Yutaka Nakamura
- ‘She was a bit confused and a little unsure how she was going to manage her career,’ says strength and conditioning coach Nakamura
- The 23-year-old ‘looking forward to opening a new chapter’ at Australian Open having turned a physical and mental corner

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka is gunning for nothing but a second title at the Covid-19 pandemic-impacted Australian Open, her coach said.
“It’s been challenging. There’s a lot going on with the pandemic but at the end of the day Naomi played and got through,” said strength and conditioning guru Yutaka Nakamura, appointed by Team Osaka last July. Tokyo-born Nakamura spoke to the Post via video call from his tournament-arranged quarantine hotel in Melbourne.
“The tournament is going ahead and we’re very pleased and thankful for that. We have the opportunity to be part of the first grand slam of the year – and part of the Aussie Open.

“[Naomi] is feeling good and obviously she’s targeting the slam. Those warm-up events she puts in 100 per cent effort, but she gives 120 per cent in the slams. She’s ready for the rest of the tournament.”