Naomi Osaka Has More Problems on Her Plate Before US Open as Long Time Coach Departs

The year 2022 has clearly been an uncertain one for Naomi Osaka. The Japanese star has had a handful of ups like reaching the semifinals of the WTA Melbourne Summer Set and the Miami Open. However, her year so far has predominantly been a victim of downs like an abdominal injury, mental breakout, Achilles injury, and continuous early round exits.

Having her stars dispersed, the 24-year-old yesterday suffered yet another setback in the form of a split with her coach, Wim Fissette. The Belgian coach took to his Instagram, to officially announce the split in a heartfelt post.

The splitting post of Wim Fissette

After training former World No. 1’s like Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, Simona Halep and Angelique Kerber, Fissette started working with Osaka in 2019. Carrying a massive experience with himself, the 42-year-old coach helped Osaka win two majors, the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open, along with a handful of other tour titles.

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Working together for 3 years, Wim yesterday took to his Instagram, announcing the split. Putting up photos of the two together, Wim started by acknowledging her time with Osaka. “It has been a privilege to coach Naomi since 2019 and see her grow into the Champion she has become,” he wrote. 

Going ahead in the post, he praised the 4-time Grand Slam champion for being a major inspiration to the budding players. He also praised her for her broad appeal. “She has inspired a whole new generation to fall in love with the game & to speak up for what they believe in and it’s been incredible to play a part in that journey,” he further added. 

Fissette ended the post by admitting that he is looking forward to the next chapter of his life. However, he restricted himself from admitting whether he has partnered with a new player yet or not.

Naomi Osaka preparing for the US Open

Early round exits on clay courts, followed by a complete pullout from the grass courts, has left Osaka in a worry some situation. Adding to the downfalls, her split with Fissette is nothing less than an emergency for Osaka, who is looking to cover up her clay and grass court lag at the hard courts of North America.

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Struggling to perform, coupled with being inactive on the tour, has forced Osaka to enter tournaments as a wildcard. The proof of it is her upcoming tournament. The former World No. 1 is set to kick off her hard court campaign as the wildcard entrant to the WTA San Jose Open.