Naomi Osaka parts ways with coach Wim Fissette
Naomi Osaka’s coach Wim Fissette has announced that their working partnership has been terminated.
Fisette has coached Osaka since 2019, helping her win her third and fourth Grand Slam titles.
The coach acknowledged that it has been a privilege to work with a player who has such a broad appeal.
“It has been a privilege to coach Naomi since 2019 and see her grow into the champion she has become,” Fissette wrote.
“She has inspired a whole new generation to fall in love with the game & to speak up for what they believe in.
“It’s been incredible to play a part in that journey. Thank you … I wish you all the best and looking forward to my next chapter.”
Osaka is the fifth World No 1 that Fissette has coach as he has enjoyed time working alongside compatriot Kim Clijsters, as well as Victoria Azarenka, Simon Halep and Angelique Kerber.
Having taking a prolonged break from the game following her struggles at the 2021 French Open, Osaka’s comeback has been hampered by injury.
Her inactivity has seen her drop to 85th in the world and she has relied upon wildcards for tournament entries.
She has now fought her way back up to 40th in the world but she suffered an injury setback after showing promising form at the Miami Open.
Osaka tried to push through the French Open in an injured state but wasn’t prepared to take the same risks at a Wimbledon devoid of rankings points.
After six years of being signed to IMG, Naomi Osaka announced in May 2022 that she is collaborating with her agent Stuart Duguid to launch her own sports agency, Evolve.
Her contract with IMG was set to expire at the end of 2021, but negotiations for a renewal stalled.
The new agency will be owned by Osaka and Duguid, and it will exclusively represent a small roster of talent with Nick Kyrgios confirmed as the first client.
Osaka is set to return to the WTA Tour at the Silicon Valley Classic, an event she made her main draw debut in back in 2014 when it was the Stanford Classic.
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