Coach Wim Fissette on the break with Naomi Osaka: ‘We were very close to a breakthrough’

Naomi Osakaformer world number one and four-time Grand Slam champion, has again divorced her regular coach, Wim FissetteThe announcement follows a series of frustrating performances, culminating in an early exit from the US Open, which Osaka herself admitted left her feeling discouraged.

The Belgian coach, who started working with Osaka in 2019played a pivotal role in two major milestones in her career. With Fissette at her side, Osaka won both the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Openadding to her impressive Grand Slam total. However, after a second stint with him, the two decided to go their separate ways.

“Four years, two Slams and a lot of memories. Thank you Wim, you are a great coach and an even greater person. I wish you all the best,” Osaka shared a touching Instagram story reflecting on their time together.

For Fissette, the split brings mixed feelings. The coach, who has guided other tennis stars such as Kim Clijsters, Simona Halep and Angelique Kerber, indicated that he believed they were on the verge of achieving something important in Osaka’s comeback season. “We were very close to a breakthrough,” Fissette wrote in his own Instagram post, emphasizing the progress they had made and the potential that was just within reach.

“When you’re doing the right things and keep hearing from colleagues that you’re on the right track, it’s hard not to fully understand it. As a coach, you keep trusting the process, knowing that the lessons will take you closer to the trophies,” he added.

Osaka’s return to the sport at the start of this season after becoming a mother in 2023 came with high expectations, but the reality of competitive tennis after a 15-month break has proven challenging. Since her comeback, she has reached the quarterfinals of only two of the 16 tournaments she has competed in, and her Grand Slam performances have been disappointing, failing to advance beyond the second round.

Reflecting on her struggles, Osaka expressed her frustration after the loss at the US Open. “It’s been a bit difficult because of course I can only go by the results,” she said. “I feel faster. I feel better, but I lost in the second round. So it’s a bit tough. I feel like I’m working harder than I’ve ever worked in my life, so it has to lead to something.“

Despite the setbacks, Osaka and Fissette remain optimistic about their future. Fissette, who said his time with Osaka was one of the most rewarding experiences of his 15-year coaching career, praised the tennis star for her resilience and personal growth.

“We started from scratch and developed week by week,” he wrote.In the 15 years I’ve been touring, this has been one of the best years working with some great people. “Every defeat has made us work harder and better and we have grown tremendously.”

Though their journey together has come to an end, Fissette expressed gratitude for their shared memories and growth, and wished Osaka the best as she embarks on a new path. “I now look forward to a new chapter and am excited for another great partnership!” he concluded.

Osaka has reportedly selected Patrick Mouratoglou as her new coach. She has been spotted training at UCLA under the famous French coach.

As Osaka enters the next phase of her career, her fans and supporters will be watching with anticipation to see how she tackles the challenges that lie ahead. The road to revival is never easy, but with her work ethic and determination, there is no doubt that Osaka’s story is far from over.