Naomi Osaka Parts Ways with Coach Wim Fissette

Former world number one Naomi Osaka has announced she is parting ways with coach Wim Fissette. The decision follows her early exit from the US Open last month and frustration with recent results.

Osaka, 26, began working with the Belgian coach in 2020 and had two stints with him. Under Fissette’s guidance, Osaka won two of her four Grand Slam titles—the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open.

In an Instagram post, Osaka expressed her gratitude: “Four years, two Slams and a whole lot of memories. Thanks Wim for being a great coach and an even greater person. Wishing you all the best.”

Fissette rejoined Osaka in January 2023 after her return to tennis following the birth of her daughter in July 2022. Despite this, Osaka has only reached the quarter-finals in two of the 16 tournaments she has played since her comeback and has not progressed past the second round of a Grand Slam.

“I feel faster. I feel better, but I lost in the second round. So it’s a little rough,” Osaka said after the US Open. “I feel like I’m working way harder than I’ve ever worked in my life, so it needs to turn into something.”

Fissette, who has coached several top players including Kim Clijsters, Simona Halep, and Angelique Kerber, reflected on their time together: “We were very close to a breakthrough. 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.”