Former No. 1 Naomi Osaka announces split with coach Wim Fissette

Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka has officially parted ways with her coach, Wim Fissette, following a series of recent disappointing performances, including an early exit from the US Open just over two weeks ago.

Osaka, 26, has enjoyed significant success with the Belgian coach, winning two of her four Grand Slam titles under his guidance—the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open. Despite this, the two have now separated for the second time in their careers.

Taking to Instagram late Friday, Osaka shared her thoughts on the end of their partnership. “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,” the Japanese tennis star wrote on her Instagram story. Osaka, who is currently ranked No. 75, reflected on their time together with gratitude.

Fissette first began working with Osaka at the start of the 2020 season. Their partnership proved to be highly successful, helping Osaka capture two major titles. However, they initially split in the summer of 2022, only to reunite last year after Osaka returned to training following her maternity leave.

Fissette also took to social media, expressing his feelings about the split. On Saturday, he shared his reflections on the second phase of their partnership, writing, “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.”

He acknowledged that Osaka had decided to move in a different direction after the US Open and expressed his understanding of the situation. “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,” he added.

At this year’s US Open, Osaka suffered a disappointing second-round loss to Karolina Muchova, with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6 (5). After the match, Osaka candidly expressed the emotional toll such losses take on her. “It’s a little rough because I do take these losses really personally,” she said. “It’s like a dramatic word, but I feel like my heart dies every time I lose.”

Fissette, who has a strong coaching résumé, has previously worked with other top players such as Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters, Simona Halep, and Angelique Kerber. Despite the end of his latest collaboration with Osaka, both he and the player seem to be parting on good terms, with mutual respect and positive memories of their time together.