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‘He Broke the Contract..’- Naomi Osaka’s Tennis Comeback Gets Off to a Rocky Start as 20-YO WTA Star Alleges Foul Play on the Japanese Star’s Former Coach

Published 09/29/2023, 5:15 AM EDT

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In the exciting world of professional tennis, where success relies on quick decisions and unwavering dedication, the recent shuffle of tennis coaches involving Belgian coach Wim Fissette, Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka, and rising Chinese player Qinwen Zheng is like a thrilling sports story.

Fissette, who has guided multiple WTA Grand Slam champions also guided Naomi Osaka with 2 of her 4 Grand Slams. Recently, he had joined the team of the rising Chinese sensation, Qinwen Zheng and people had hoped nothing but great things for Zheng. However, a recent, abrupt transition has put a huge question mark over the move.

Zheng on her coach’s abrupt transition

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In June 2022, Naomi Osaka, a highly accomplished four-time Grand Slam champion, made a surprising decision. She chose to part ways with her coach, Wim Fissette, with whom she had achieved remarkable success, including winning 2 of her grand total of 4 Slams. Just a few months ago Fissette joined the coaching team of rising tennis sensation, Qinwen Zheng. However, this move did not turn out great for Zheng as Fissette breached their contract and has now joined back Osaka’s coaching team once again, as she paves her comeback route after a long hiatus from the tour due to childbirth.

After a recent match at the China Open, reporters asked Qinwen Zheng about these big changes. She handled it like a pro, saying, “He broke the contract, and it is very immoral. This is his choice, and I will respect that. Even though this brings some harm to me and my family, I don’t want to talk about that person right now, don’t want to talk about him.” Zheng’s response reflects not only her professionalism but also the emotional toll such transitions can take on young athletes.

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This transition, although was abrupt and in bad faith, was sort of expected as during his split with Osaka last year, Osaka mentioned that there was no bad blood between them and their split was nothing but mutual.

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Naomi Osaka on Wim Fissette

When asked about the split between herself and Fissette last year, Osaka had nothing but praise for him, she stated, “We didn’t part on bad terms. I just felt I needed different energy, and at the same time, he’s a very ambitious guy. I was getting injured and I’m sure he would have wanted to go to Wimbledon. So it was two different mindsets, I would say. But he’s a really cool guy still. So confirming that there were no bad things happening.”

‘I Needed Different Energy’- Former US Open Champion Naomi Osaka Details Why She Parted Ways With Long Time Coach

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The coaching changes involving Wim Fissette, Naomi Osaka, and Qinwen Zheng have been quite a ride, filled with emotions and challenges. Zheng’s calm response to this sudden change shows her strength and dedication. As she continues to rise in the tennis world, her potential is clear.

WATCH THIS STORY:  When Mike Tyson supported Serena Williams for her US Open meltdown against Naomi Osaka

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Written by:

Ansh Tandon

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Ansh Tandon is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports. Ansh received his undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and has been working in content creation for 2+ years. Before Ansh stepped into sports journalism, he was a professional tennis player, honing his skills in national level tournaments for the past 12 years as an active AITA athlete.
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