World No 1 Naomi Osaka announces shock split from coach Sascha Bajin
Just weeks after their dream run in Melbourne, Naomi Osaka and her coach Sasch Bajin have gone their separate ways.
The 21-year-old Osaka announced the unexpected split, which came just 17 days after she followed up her US Open win with victory at the Australian Open that saw her reach No 1 in the world for the first time, via Twitter.
Hey everyone, I will no longer be working together with Sascha. I thank him for his work and wish him all the best in the future.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@Naomi_Osaka_) February 11, 2019
Bajin also responded with a short message on Twitter.
Thank you Naomi 🙏🏽 I wish you nothing but the best as well. What a ride that was. Thank you for letting me be part of this.
— sascha Bajin (@BigSascha) February 11, 2019
The pair started working together during the 2017 off-season and by March the following year they won their first trophy when the Osaka claimed the Indian Wells Masters.
Bigger and better things came in September when she became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam following her success at the US Open.
And their brilliant run continued in Melbourne when they not only won the season-opening Grand Slam, but Osaka also became the first Asian player to top the world rankings.
No reason was given for the split, but AFP reports that “Japanese media cited Osaka’s management company IMG in reporting that there had been a breakdown in the player’s relationship with the coach since the start of the year”.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Tennis betting preview: 9/1 Karen Khachanov can reign in Rotterdam
-
-
Youth development in tennis: Many coaching roads lead to the top of the tree
-
Life is about teamwork – Patrick Mouratoglou on the art coaching
-
Tennis365’s A to Z of tennis for January: Blackmail, lazy comments and an Andy Murray ‘willy shot’
-
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic 7.997 years at No 1, Carlos Alcaraz holds off Jannik Sinner, Luca Nardi +27
This way for your latest ATP Rankings.
-
Tennis Videos
WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz on THAT point against Daniil Medvedev – ‘Something happened to my feet’
“Points like this one give me extra motivation to put a smile on my face.”