Osaka Plans To Work With Father Again After Split From 'Really Cool Guy' Fissette

Tuesday, 02 August 2022 at 03:30

Updated at Friday, 13 September 2024 at 19:27

byJordan Reynolds

Naomi Osaka said that wanting to work with her dad again was part of the reason for her split from the experienced and successful Wim Fissette.

The Japanese star enjoyed many successes with Fissette after he joined her team in January 2020. She won her second US Open title that year by defeating Victoria Azarenka in the final, with whom Fissette had worked before joining Osaka.

She began the 2021 season by securing her fourth Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. The pair's partnership was firing on all cylinders then, and further success seemed inevitable.

However, Osaka's results have tapered off dramatically since the second half of 2021. The 24-year-old's level has continued to drop during 2022, generating much attention among tennis fans.

Osaka responded by splitting with Wissette. The Belgian, who also coached Angelique Kerber when she won the 2018 Wimbledon Championships, will undoubtedly stay in coaching because of his track record.

The four-time Grand Slam champion discussed the move on media day at the tournament in San Jose. Osaka said she and Fissette did not part on bad terms but felt a different energy was needed.

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"It was really good times with Wim and he's a really amazing coach. We didn't part on bad terms. I just felt I needed different energy, and at the same time, he's a very ambitious guy."

Osaka also said she wanted her dad back on her team due to his ability to help the two-time US Open champion think outside the box and his adeptness in helping her stay positive.

"I wanted to bring my dad back because he always makes me think outside the box," Osaka said. "Whenever I think something is really bad he always makes me realize that things are much more positive than they seem."

"When I get stressed out he starts dancing or something to make me feel better. So it's just nice to have him around and it makes me remember the times when I was a kid. For right now, he would be my main coach. I would give him that title."