'Wishing you all the best': Former No. 1 Naomi Osaka Parts Ways With Coach Wim Fissette

Naomi Osaka recently voiced her frustration with her performance after an early exit from the U.S. Open just over two weeks ago. The 26-year-old tennis star, who clinched two of her four Grand Slam titles—at the 2020 U.S. Open and the 2021 Australian Open—while working with Belgian coach Wim Fissette, has now parted ways with him for the second time.

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Naomi Osaka Parts Ways With Wim Fissette

In a heartfelt Instagram story posted late Friday, Osaka reflected on their time working together, writing: “4 years, 2 Slams and a whole lot of memories.

"Thanks Wim for being a great coach and an even greater person, wishing you all the best.” Osaka, currently ranked No. 75, and Fissette first began their collaboration just before the 2020 season. They initially separated in the summer of 2022 but reunited last year as Osaka returned to training after maternity leave.

“In 15 years on tour, this was one of my best years working together with amazing people,” Fissette wrote in an Instagram post on Saturday. “From every defeat , we worked harder and better and grew a lot. We were very close to a breakthrough.”

After the U.S. Open, Osaka "decided to move forward with a new path,” he added. “I accepted it knowing we close this second run with more good memories and gratitude for building her way back.” At Flushing Meadows, Osaka lost 6-3, 7-6 (5) to Karolina Muchova in the second round. Afterward, she said: “It’s a little rough, because I do take these losses really personally. It’s like a dramatic word, but I feel like my heart dies every time I lose.”

Fissette had previously worked with players such as Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters, Simona Halep and Angelique Kerber.

(With inputs from AP)