In a surprising turn of events, Naomi Osaka has made the announcement that she and her long-time coach Wim Fissette have decided to part ways. This news came after Osaka’s early exit from a Grand Slam tournament, marking the end of their successful four-year partnership.
Fissette, a Belgian coach, had been instrumental in guiding Osaka to victory at the US Open in 2020 and the Australian Open in 2021. However, since January 2022, Osaka has struggled to make it past the third round of a Grand Slam, prompting the decision to end their coaching relationship.
After taking a break following the birth of her child in July 2023, Osaka returned to the tennis scene at the beginning of this year. Despite her efforts, she failed to advance past the second round of the US Open last month, leading to the mutual agreement between her and Fissette to go their separate ways.
Reflecting on their time together, Fissette expressed his pride in being a part of Osaka’s journey back to the court. He believed that they were on the cusp of a breakthrough before their split, stating, “We were very close to a breakthrough. When you do the right things and keep hearing from peers you are in the right direction, it’s tough not quite getting it yet.”
In a statement posted on Instagram, Fissette shared his gratitude for the experience of coaching Osaka and witnessing her growth as an athlete and a person. Despite the end of their partnership, he remained optimistic about the future, acknowledging Osaka’s decision to explore a new coaching path.
On her part, Osaka admitted that the transition has been challenging, especially as she evaluates her progress based on results. She remarked, “It’s been a little difficult because obviously I can only gauge how I’m doing by results. Like, I feel faster, I feel better, but I lost in the second round. So it’s a little rough.”
Despite the setback, Osaka found solace in the opportunities she had to compete in various tournaments and visit different cities. She described the experience as a commitment, but one that allowed her to explore new places and enjoy the journey.
As the tennis world waits in anticipation for Osaka to announce her new coach, the sports community remains supportive of her as she navigates this period of transition. Though the partnership with Fissette may have ended, Osaka’s resilience and determination continue to shine through as she embarks on a new chapter in her career.