Coach Sascha Bajin thought Naomi Osaka looked like someone who could definitely emulate some of Serena Williams’ success. In 2017, Osaka started working with Bajin. The following year, Osaka won her first Grand Slam title after beating Williams in the US Open final.
A few months after becoming a Grand Slam champion, Osaka also lifted her second Grand Slam title at the 2019 Australian Open. Osaka then made a shock decision to split with Bajin but still managed to win two more Grand Slam titles in the near future – the Japanese won the 2020 US Open and 2021 Australian Open.
Osaka, who is now 25, hasn’t won any titles in more than two years or since her fourth Grand Slam victory at the 2021 Australian Open. Essentially Sports asked Bajin whether he felt there was anyone who could at least achieve 50% of Williams’ success.
Bajin: Osaka had a chance to be right there
“I mean, you know I do believe that Naomi had a chance to be right there you know. We won the US Open and Australian Open back to back. I do believe she had the chance I do believe if she really wants to come back, I want to say she still has the chance.
But right now Iga Swiatek is the woman to beat. She’s very dominant. I saw now she’s lost, I think not more than what was it eight games in the last 10…
