This archive report was first published on 15 December 2019.
Naomi Osaka, a two-time grand slam winner, has made a significant move in her tennis career by appointing Belgian coach Wim Fissette, as reported by Kyodo news agency on Sunday.
Osaka's decision to hire Fissette comes after a disappointing defence of her U.S. Open title, which led to her parting ways with Jermaine Jenkins in September.
Before Jenkins, Osaka had worked with Sascha Bajin, who she ditched in February 2019, just weeks after winning her first major at Melbourne Park.
Osaka's subsequent early exits at the French Open and Wimbledon may have contributed to her decision to seek a new coach.
Fissette, a 39-year-old former professional, has a impressive coaching resume, having guided compatriot Kim Clijsters to three grand slam titles between 2009 and 2011, as well as working with major winners Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova, and Angelique Kerber.
Osaka's 2019 win at the Australian Open made her Asia's first world number one and the first player of any nation to claim their first two Grand Slam titles back-to-back since Jennifer Capriati in 2001.
Now ranked third, Osaka had her father filling in as coach following the split with Jenkins.
