Naomi Osaka has parted ways with her coach, Wim Fissette, for a second time, just weeks after her second-round exit at the U.S. Open.
The pair had a successful partnership that saw Osaka win two Grand Slam titles-the 2020 U.S. Open and the 2021 Australian Open.
Osaka shared the news on Instagram, writing: “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.”
Their professional relationship had initially begun before the 2020 season, and they reunited in 2022 following Osaka’s maternity leave.
Fissette, in a separate Instagram post, reflected on their time together, expressing disappointment at parting ways but gratitude for their shared success.
“We were very close to a breakthrough,” he wrote, acknowledging the challenges they faced after Osaka’s return to the sport.
“After the U.S. Open, Naomi decided to move forward with a new path.”
Despite their parting, Fissette expressed admiration for Osaka, saying, “More so to be part of the comeback journey, seeing her grow as a person, athlete, and now mother… A champion in many ways.”
Grand Slam success
Osaka, who had already secured two Grand Slam titles before teaming up with Fissette, added a third at the 2020 U.S. Open during their initial stint together.
She then captured the 2021 Australian Open and held a top-five ranking in women’s singles.
Since her return to the sport after a 15-month maternity leave, Osaka’s comeback has been gradual.
Ranked No. 75 in the world, she showed signs of promise at the 2024 U.S. Open with an upset win over No. 10 seed Jelena Ostapenko in the opening round, before falling to Karolina Muchova in the next match.
Now, as Osaka embarks on a new chapter without Fissette, she will look to continue her rise back to the top of women’s tennis.
Fissette closed his message with optimism, noting their journey together was one of the highlights of his coaching career.
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