Osaka breaks with coach Fissette, seen practising with Mouratoglou

Naomi Osaka and Wim Fissette worked together for four years across two chapters

Wim Fissette and Naomi Osaka (Credit: Zuma / Panoramic)

September 14, 2024

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka recently parted ways with her Belgian coach Wim Fissette. Osaka trained under Fissette for four years across two different periods.

The two worked together from late 2019 to mid-2022 in the first chapter of their partnership. They started the second in 2023 after the former world No 1 returned to practice after giving birth to her daughter Shai in July.

On Friday (September 13, 2024) Osaka took to social media and announced her decision to split with Fissette after four years of association.

“4 years, 2 Slams and a whole lot of memories,” she wrote. “Thanks Wim for being a great coach and an even greater person, wishing you all the best.”

Naomi Osaka announces split with coach Wim Fissette.

“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” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pqd33FJR7s
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 13, 2024

Osaka first appointed Fissette as her coach during the preparatory swing before the 2020 season, months after having split with American Jermaine Jenkins. Her association with the Belgian yielded results after the first half of that season as she triumphed at the US Open, beating Belarusian Victoria Azarenka 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the final.

The Osaka-Fissette duo enjoyed further success with a title-winning run at the Australian Open in 2021. The Japanese pro downed American Jennifer Brady 6-4, 6-3 in the title clash. However, her graph declined gradually henceforth as she remained trophyless for the remaining season.

The 2022 season saw the trend continue except for the Miami Open, where she reached the final before losing 6-4, 6-0 to Iga Swiatek. It all culminated in her leaving Wim Fissette in July and taking a break after the Japan Open to end the season ranked 42.

In January 2023, Osaka announced her first pregnancy. She and her partner Cordae welcomed Shai into the world later in July and the tennis pro resumed swinging again. Fissette reunited with Osaka after a controversial split from China’s Qinwen Zheng in September and helped the Japanese prepare for the second stretch of her tennis career.

“We close this second run with more good memories” – Wim Fissette

Naomi Osaka returned to competitive action in January 2024, with a second-round showing at Brisbane International that landed her in the 833rd spot on the WTA rankings. She then gradually climbed to the Top 100 under Wim Fissette’s guidance to now being the world No 75.

After Osaka’s announcement on Friday, Fissette took to Instagram as well and penned a heartfelt note reflecting on the journey.

“I first started coaching Naomi in 2019, and it was truly a pleasure,” the Belgian wrote. “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.

“After the US Open, Naomi decided to move forward with a new path,” he added. “I accepted it knowing we close this second run with more good memories and gratitude for building her way back. Always wishing the very best for each other and families. I’m now looking forward to a new chapter and excited for a next great partnership!”

While Fissette looks for a new student, Naomi Osaka seems to have found a new teacher already. She was recently spotted swinging on the practice courts of the Los Angeles Tennis Center at the University of California in the presence of Patrick Mouratoglou, a notable name in the tennis coaching community.