By Alberto Amalfi | @Tennis_Now | Saturday, September 14, 2024
Photo: Naomi Osaka Instagram
A productive partnership has ended.
He was number 1 in the world Naomi Osaka announced that he has parted ways with his old coach Wim Fissette in a post on social networks.
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“4 years, 2 Slams and many memories”, Osaka posted on Instagram. “Thank you Wim for being a great coach and an even greater person. I wish you all the best.”
Fissette originally coached Osaka from 2019 to July 2022.
The pair reunited late last year after Osaka stepped up her training after giving birth to daughter Shai in July 2023.
Although Osaka held match points and nearly knocked off No. 1 Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros, she has at times struggled to maintain consistency in her first full season since becoming a mother.
In an Instagram post, Fissette praised Osaka as “a champion in many ways.”
I started training Naomi in 2019 and it was really a pleasure,” said Fissette. “Even more so to be a part of her comeback journey, watching her grow as a person, athlete and now mother. A champion in so many ways. We started her from scratch and developed week by week. In 15 years at tour, this was one of my best years of working together with amazing people from every loss, we worked harder and better and grew a lot.
“We were so close to a breakthrough. When you do the right things and keep hearing from your peers that you’re on the right track, it’s hard not to get there. As a coach, you keep trusting the process, knowing that the lessons they are getting. you are closer to the trophies.
“After the US Open, Naomi decided to move forward with a new path. I accepted it knowing that we end this second tournament with more good memories and gratitude for building her comeback.”
