Naomi Osaka has ended her coaching partnership with Wim Fissette. The move shocked many fans due to their considerable success together.
Fissette is an experienced coach who has worked with several high-profile players, including Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber, and Victoria Azarenka. Kerber won her Wimbledon title in 2018 with Fissette in her team.
The Belgian became Osaka's coach at the end of 2019. The Japanese star had already won two Grand Slam titles, but she had been struggling for several months before his appointment.
However, Fissette positively impacted Osaka's game for the first 12 months. The 24-year-old secured her second US Open title by beating Fissette's former player Azarenka in the final.
A few months later, Osaka claimed her second Grand Slam title under Fissette's guidance and fourth in total at the 2021 Australian Open, defeating the American Jennifer Brady in the final in straight sets.
Unfortunately, Osaka's results have dipped since her triumph in Melbourne. Her only final in the 18 months since was at the Miami Open, where she lost to Iga Swiatek. That decline is the most likely reason for the split.
Although Osaka has not publicly commented about the split, there does not appear to be any animosity between the pair. Fissette only had positive things to say when announcing the news on social media.
"It has been a privilege to coach Naomi since 2019 and see her grow into the champion she has become. She has inspired a whole new generation to fall in love with the game & to speak up for what they believe in. It’s been incredible to play a part in that journey. Thank you ... I wish you all the best and looking forward to my next chapter."
Observing whether Osaka's fortunes improve after parting ways with Fissette will be interesting.