Naomi Osaka has begun working with Serena Williams' former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, after parting ways with Wim Fissette for a second time.
Osaka rehired Fissette for a second time after she returned to the sport at the beginning of 2024. Her previous spell with the Belgian coach was from January 2020 until the middle of 2022.
The Japanese star won two Grand Slam titles during her first spell with Fissette: the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open. They split the first time because her results declined after her success in Melbourne.
When Osaka rehired Fissette, she hoped to repeat the success they had in the early stages of their partnership. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old has been plagued by inconsistency since making her comeback.
The former world No. 1's last match was a defeat against Karolina Muchova in the second round of the US Open. Osaka led 5-4, 40-0 in the second set but blew that lead to lose the match in straight sets.
After taking a few weeks to consider her options, Osaka split with Fissette again. The parting was amicable, with the four-time Grand Slam champion having kind words for Fissette in her announcement about the move.
After making such a big decision, players often take an extended period to consider who their next coach should be. But Osaka has been much quicker than most, deciding Mouratoglou is the right person to replace Fissette.
Mouratoglou is one of the best-known tennis coaches in the world. However, he is also a controversial figure due to his involvement in Simona Halep's doping case. Many feel he should have faced consequences for his actions.
The Frenchman became Serena Williams' coach in 2012. When he joined, the legendary American had not won a Grand Slam in over two years and was suffering from a lack of confidence.
Mouratoglou played a key role in Williams' return to the top of the women's game. During her time with Mouratoglou, she won ten Grand Slams, an Olympic gold medal in singles, and three WTA Finals titles.
The 54-year-old began working with Simona Halep in 2022. Their partnership was cut short by Halep's suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. The Romanian eventually received a nine-month ban after successfully appealing a longer suspension.
Some question whether Mouratoglou should have been allowed to coach again because he acknowledged he and his team gave Halep the collagen that led to her suspension and stressful ordeal.
Nonetheless, Mouratoglou worked with Holger Rune after Halep's suspension. The Dane fired and re-hired Mouratoglou twice before cutting ties with him for a third time on 29 July 2024.
The experienced French coach was photographed working with Osaka, confirming their partnership. Although his recent track record has been indifferent, Osaka hopes he can help her in a similar way to Serena Williams.
It is a risky move by Osaka, but it is understandable that she felt she needed something different after a difficult 2024 so far. Observing her results under Mouratoglou's guidance will be fascinating.
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