Naomi Osaka: Former world No. 1 announces split from long-term coach Wim Fissette - 'Very close to a breakthrough'
Published 14/09/2024 at 09:26 GMT
Naomi Osaka has announced her four-year partnership with Wim Fissette has come to an end, as the pair took to social media to confirm the split. The former world No. 1 won the US Open and Australian Open under the guidances of the Belgian coach, but has not reached the third round of a Grand Slam since January 2022. The 26-year-old has not yet officially announced the identity of her new coach.
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Naomi Osaka has announced she has parted ways with her long-term coach Wim Fissette after another early Grand Slam exit.
The former world No. 1 spent four years over two spells under the guidance of the Belgian, winning the 2020 US Open and 2021 Australian Open titles with his support.
Taking an extended break after giving birth in July 2023, the Japanese star returned to competitive tennis at the start of this calendar year.
But after failing to get past the second round at last month’s US Open, Osaka and Fissette took to social media to confirm their amicable split.
Osaka’s Instagram story read: “4 years, 2 Slams and a whole lot of memories. Thanks Wim for being a great coach and an even greater person, wishing you all the best.”
Meanwhile, Fissette was proud to have contributed to Osaka’s long-awaited return and said that he felt the pair were “close to a breakthrough” before their separation.
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Wim’s statement on Instagram read: “I first started coaching Naomi in 2019, and it was truly a pleasure. More so to be part of the comeback journey, seeing her grow as a person, athlete and now mother. A champion in many ways.
“We started from zero and developed week by week. In 15 years on tour, this was one of my best years working together with amazing people. From every defeat, we worked harder and better and grew a lot.
"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.
“As the coach, you keep trusting the process, knowing the lessons are getting you closer to the trophies.
"After the US Open, Naomi decided to move forward with a new path. I accepted it knowing we close this second run with more good memories and gratitude for building her way back."
Making her first appearance at the Australian Open since 2022 this year, Osaka was knocked out in the first round after a straight-sets defeat to Caroline Garcia.
Osaka’s torrid run at Grand Slams continued with successive second round exits at the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
Eventual semi-finalist Karolina Muchova got the better of the 26-year-old at Flushing Meadows, and the current world No. 75 admitted the defeats affected her on a personal level.
"It's a little rough because I do take these losses really personally," said Osaka in August. "It's like a dramatic word, but I feel like my heart dies every time I lose.
"It sucks a lot, but I've been trying to be more mature and learn and talk more about them.
"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.
"But, also, it's been fun playing a lot of tournaments. It's been a commitment for sure, but I've been able to go to different cities that I've never been to."
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