Naomi Osaka and Wim Fissette separate: A new path with Patrick Mouratoglou?

Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner and former world number one, has parted ways with her coach Wim Fissette. The partnership, which led to victories at the US Open 2020 and the Australian Open 2021, officially ended on Friday. In an Instagram story, Osaka expressed her gratitude for their time together: "Four years, two Slams, and a lot of memories. Thank you, Wim, for being a great coach and an even better person. I wish you all the best." Simultaneously, Marco Iacoboni, a professor at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), published a photo of Osaka training with Patrick Mouratoglou at the Los Angeles Tennis Center. Mouratoglou, who previously coached Serena Williams and currently coaches Holger Rune, ranked 14th in the world, is reported by Open Court to be Osaka's new coach, although both have yet to officially confirm the partnership. Fissette, who has also worked with Grand Slam champions such as Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber, and Victoria Azarenka, issued a statement as well. He said on Instagram that the decision was made after the US Open and that he accepts the separation after this successful period with positive memories and gratitude. Osaka and Fissette began their collaboration during the off-season of 2019, leading to various successes. However, Osaka's struggle with depression, particularly after the 2018 US Open, led to ups and downs in her career. A notable setback was her loss to Leylah Fernandez at the 2021 US Open, which resulted in a break from tennis. After her return in the summer of 2023, following the birth of her daughter Shai, Fissette rejoined Osaka's team. This decision ultimately led to a split with Zheng Qinwen, who accused Fissette of "immoral behavior." Since her comeback, Osaka has shown promising signs, including an exciting match against world number one Iga Swiatek at the 2024 French Open. Osaka's team emphasized that her performances should be evaluated on hard courts, where she historically achieved the greatest success. After a difficult loss in the Cincinnati qualifiers to Ashlyn Krueger, Osaka reflected on her physical and mental condition and looked forward with hope. Following an impressive victory over Jelena Ostapenko at the US Open, followed by a loss to Karolina Muchova, Osaka appeared emotionally affected but remains determined to continue her successful path and hopes that collaborating with a new coach will bring fresh momentum to her career.