The Japanese megastar is having a productive run with her dad as her head coach in Asia.
Naomi Osaka is undefeated since parting ways with coach Jermaine Jenkins, and her father Leonard Francois has taken the reigns as Osaka has now gone undefeated in her last six matches, including her run to her fourth career title at Osaka a few weeks ago.
Osaka is enjoying the winning—and the family time.
“Yeah, it feels like it took me back a little bit because he's always been around, but he's been in the shadows for the most part,” Osaka told reporters after her second-round win over Andrea Petkovic at the China Open. “I would say he is a person that knows my game the most. He's kind of the person that knows the trigger words, whether good or bad. Definitely it's been very nostalgic. I think we're getting along good."
The 21-year-old World No.4 says her dad likes to use phrases to keep her focused and motivated.
What is one of his favorites?
“He likes saying, ‘It's not rocket science,’” she said.
Anyone who has ever tried to hit a tennis ball like Osaka does might disagree, but whatever works is good for Osaka.
Osaka, who owns a 34-11 record on the season now, will face American Alison Riske in the round of 16 at Beijing on Thursday.
