“Almost like you want to give me a ticket” - Naomi Osaka slams UCLA's tricky parking system obstructing her pre-season preparations
Naomi Osaka recently voiced her frustration with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) parking system, which she found unnecessarily complicated. While training at the university’s facilities with her new coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, the Japanese highlighted the difficulties she faced in trying to pay for parking.
Osaka has had some promising performances in 2024 but has also faced some challenges in injuries and a coaching change. Following her second-round exit at the US Open, she parted ways with Wim Fissette, who had previously guided her to two Grand Slam titles.
The 27-year-old's recent collaboration with Serena Williams’ former coach Mouratoglou, signals a fresh start for Osaka as she seeks to rediscover her form.
The four-time Grand Slam champion concluded her 2024 season earlier than planned due to abdominal and back injuries. These health issues forced her to withdraw from multiple tournaments, including the Hong Kong Tennis Open, the Kinoshita Group Japan Open, the Toray Pan Pacific Open, and the recently concluded Billie Jean King Cup.
The Japanese star voiced her grievances on social media, calling out UCLA for its inefficient setup.
"Why does UCLA make it impossible to pay for parking on their parking lots??? It’s almost like you want to give me a ticket even though I’m trying to pay," Osaka wrote.
Naomi Osaka aims for a career comeback with Serena Williams' ex-coach Patrick Mouratouglou
Naomi Osaka has revamped her coaching team by teaming up with Serena Williams' ex-coach, Patrick Mouratoglou.
With the French coach by his side, Osaka competed in the China Open in Beijing, where she defeated Lucia Bronzetti, Yulia Putintseva, and Katie Volynets to reach the Round of 16 before retiring mid-match against eventual champion Coco Gauff due to a back injury.
During a press conference in Beijing, Osaka expressed her goal to secure a seeded spot for the 2025 Australian Open.
"My goal now, I think to be seeded in Australia," Osaka said. "I would really love that. I would love to avoid Caroline Garcia (smiling). Yeah, just being seeded. But not putting too much pressure on myself. I'm just trying to take it day by day."
Osaka also revealed that she initially “avoided” Mouratoglou, thinking he was out of her reach because of his connection with her former rival Serena Williams.
"The fact that he was Serena's coach for me made me want to avoid him just because his persona is so big. Like, this isn't rude because I found out it's not true," Osaka said.
"I didn't know - this sounds so bad - I didn't know if he was a good coach or he coached Serena. Does that make sense? I'm like, I'm just going to do my own thing," she added.
However, after meeting and speaking with him, Naomi Osaka's perspective shifted. The Japanese tennis star said she felt "nervous" around him initially, but she now feels comfortable working with him.
Osaka will end 2024 as the World No. 60.