Zheng Qinwen splits with coach Wim Fissette amid rumors of reunion with Naomi Osaka

Chinese No. 1 Zheng Qinwen revealed the news to reporters after winning the gold medal at the Asian Games.

Celebrated coach Wim Fissette has concluded his partnership with Zheng Qinwen, with talks suggesting a potential collaboration with Naomi Osaka, as confirmed by the 2022 WTA Newcomer of the Year, Zheng.

Following her victory over Zhu Lin with a score of 6-2, 6-4, clinching the gold at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Zheng shared this update with the media.

The information was initially conveyed by Chinese tennis journalist Zhang Bendou, who shared on X, previously known as Twitter, that Fissette was anticipated to accompany Zheng to the Asian Games. According to Zhang, and backed by statements from Zheng’s representative, Fissette’s decision to conclude his association with Zheng was made just before departing to China.

The collaboration between Zheng and Fissette commenced shortly before the onset of the grass-court season, succeeding Zheng’s parting with her previous coach Pere Riba, who subsequently teamed up with Coco Gauff. Despite a challenging commencement where Zheng faced defeats in her initial three matches, including a first-round loss at Wimbledon, she found success later in the year.

Post-Wimbledon, Zheng clinched her first WTA title on the clay courts in Palermo. Moreover, in the recent US Open, she advanced to her maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal, delivering a surprise defeat to the prior year’s finalist, Ons Jabeur, in the fourth round.

Chatter suggests that the reunion of Fissette with Osaka is anticipated over a year after their initial association concluded. Their teamwork started in the latter part of 2019, debuting in 2020. During their association, Fissette witnessed Osaka’s triumphs in the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open. However, they decided to part ways the next July.

For the remaining part of the 2022 season, Osaka was mentored by her father Leonard Francois, the individual who introduced her to the sport of tennis. After announcing her pregnancy in January, the four-time Grand Slam winner welcomed her daughter Shai in July. She informed the press at the US Open about her intention to participate extensively in the 2024 circuit, starting with the Australian summer events.

Wim Fissette’s impressive coaching history also includes collaborations with renowned players like fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters, as well as Grand Slam winners such as Victoria Azarenka, Simona Halep, and Angelique Kerber.