CNN —Naomi Osaka has never hidden her admiration for Serena Williams and now she’s following in the 23-time grand slam champion’s footsteps. And while Osaka is excited about a new chapter in her career, the four-time grand slam champion says she was initially hesitant to start working with the well-known coach. “This isn’t rude because I found out it’s not true, but I didn’t know if he was a good coach or he coached Serena. I’m really glad that he’s taking this project on, as well.”“I would say I’m still a little nervous around him. I’m getting a little more comfortable day by day.”Patrick Mouratoglou talks to Osaka before her first-round match at the China Open.

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Persons: Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, Williams, Patrick Mouratoglou, Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti, Tsitsipas, Holger Rune, “, Serena, I’m, ” Patrick Mouratoglou, Robert Prange, Mouratoglou, ” Organizations: CNN, China, Reuters, Getty Images Osaka, Wimbledon Locations: Osaka, ” Osaka