Naomi Osaka draws strength from Serena Williams and dominates in Montreal

Naomi Osaka is back. Not just on the scoreboard, but in the soul of tennis. At the 2025 Canadian Open, the Japanese star has lit up Montreal with a string of victories that echo her best days. And she’s done it with one figure constantly on her mind. None other than Serena Williams.

After crushing Anastasija Sevastova 6-1, 6-0 in just 49 minutes, Naomi Osaka admitted in a press conference — as reported by Essentiallysports — that she still thinks of Serena Williams when facing pressure moments. “I used to watch her down 0-40 and then hit four aces. Sometimes I still think about that when I play,” she said with a laugh, revealing how Williams’ legacy continues to shape her mindset on court.

Friendship and admiration

The bond between Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams goes beyond admiration. Osaka has faced Serena Williams four times, winning three of those matches, including the controversial 2018 US Open final. That match, clouded by arguments with the umpire and crowd boos, left an emotional mark on Osaka. Later, she received words of support from Serena. “I wouldn’t be here without her,” Osaka has repeated in several interviews.

 

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Now, in Montreal, Naomi Osaka is gearing up for a high-voltage clash against Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals. Both players arrive in strong form. Svitolina recently defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-4, 6-1. Meanwhile, Osaka has been playing aggressive, precise tennis, racking up over 20 aces in the tournament. She’s also showing renewed confidence after parting ways with coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Her new coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski (formerly with Iga Swiatek), seems to have given her the boost she needed.

High-stakes matchups

The rivalry between Naomi Osaka and Svitolina isn’t new. They’ve faced each other seven times, with Naomi Osaka holding a 4-3 edge. Their last meeting was in Miami 2024, where Osaka won in straight sets. But this time, the context is different. Both are trying to reestablish themselves at the top after motherhood, injuries, and emotional ups and downs.

Meanwhile, Serena Williams remains a hot topic. She was recently spotted training in Washington D.C. with her daughter Adira in her arms, sparking speculation about a possible comeback. When asked, Naomi Osaka responded with tenderness: “Fingers crossed. For me, Serena is everything.”

Naomi Osaka isn’t just chasing wins; she’s honoring the path Serena Williams paved for her and so many others. And as Montreal braces for a clash of titans, women’s tennis celebrates something deeper. It’s about legacy and essence.