Naomi Osaka posts heartfelt message to Wim Fissette following coaching split

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Naomi Osaka will no longer be coached by Wim Fissette after bringing their four-year partnership to an end.

Following a return to the WTA Tour in January after a 16-month hiatus during which she gave birth, the 26-year-old has struggled to find her best form throughout the season.

While there have been moments of brilliance in 2024, she has not been able to find the consistency needed to return to the upper echelons of the game or go deep in tournaments.

Following Osaka’s second round exit at the US Open, an event she wanted to peak for, she decided to make a significant change moving forward.

Naomi Osaka reacts to the end of her partnership with coach WIm Fissette

Naomi Osaka has played just 35 matches on the WTA Tour this season, 16 of which have been defeats.

The former World number one’s best performance of the year came against Iga Swiatek at the French Open, where she was one point away from handing the Pole her first loss at the event since 2021.

But following a disappointing Wimbledon, Olympic Games and North American hard court swing, Osaka has opted for some fresh ideas and new perspective by changing her coach.

Addressing the split, Osaka took to social media to pay tribute to Fisette. “[Four] years, [two] Slams and a whole lot of memories,” she posted via her Instagram stories. “Thanks Wim for being a great coach and an even greater person. Wishing you all the best.”

When did Wim Fisette start coaching Naomi Osaka?

Osaka began working with Fisette in 2020 and had two separate stints with him. She began working with him again at the start of the 2024 season when she returned to competitive action.

Two of Osaka’s four Grand Slam titles, the 2020 US Open and 2021 Australian Open, came with the Belgian as her coach.

But after reaching the quarter-finals in just two of the 16 tournaments played this season, Osaka felt it was time for a change.

“It’s been a little difficult because obviously I can only gauge how I’m doing by results,” she said after her US Open exit. “I feel faster. I feel better, but I lost in the second round. So it’s a little rough. I feel like I’m working way harder than I’ve ever worked in my life, so it needs to turn into something.”