Naomi Osaka credits Iga Świątek with transforming her mentality after a crushing 6-2, 6-1 loss at the Italian Open.
What happened?
Osaka's defeat to Świątek made her feel ashamed, prompting her to reevaluate her priorities.
She began to view tennis as a job rather than the most important thing in her life.
Why it matters for Iga Świątek
Świątek's win over Osaka served as a catalyst for Osaka's change in mindset, which has led to her success at Wimbledon.
Osaka has reached the quarterfinals, where she will face Karolína Muchová.
What comes next?
Osaka's newfound mentality will be put to the test as she faces Muchová, who led 6-1, 1-0 in their previous match before Osaka retired due to a foot injury.
The winner will face either Coco Gauff or Jessica Pegula in the semifinals.
On 18 June, Osaka avenged her previous defeats to Aryna Sabalenka, dominating the opening set and clinching the second-set tiebreak to secure a 6-2, 7-6(2) victory.
Osaka's coaching team tried to help her in the past, but it was not until after her loss to Świątek that she began to make significant changes.
She has her daughter, Shai, by her side at Wimbledon, and has started to enjoy her time on the court.
Osaka's shift in mentality has led to her producing a stellar campaign at Wimbledon, reaching the fourth round without dropping a set.
The former world No. 1 has booked her place in her maiden quarterfinal at the grass-court Major.
Świątek's influence on Osaka's mentality is a significant factor in her recent success, and their match at the Italian Open will be remembered as a turning point in Osaka's career.