Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is set to team up with Tomasz Wiktorowski, who previously coached world No. 1 Iga Swiatek before their split last year.
The former world No. 1 announced her surprising separation from Patrick Mouratoglou on Sunday, just days after suffering a second-round defeat to Emma Raducanu at the WTA 500 tournament in Washington, which was overshadowed by scorching temperatures.
Osaka has wasted no time in her search for a new coaching mentor. The Japanese star is currently competing at this week’s Canadian Open, where Polish coach Wiktorowski is expected to fly out and join her team.
Reports from Forty Deuce suggest that Swiatek’s former mentor is making the trip to Montreal for discussions at the WTA 1000 tournament. Initially, their collaboration will serve as a trial period rather than establishing a permanent coaching arrangement.
The development comes after Osaka found herself without a full-time coach following her departure from Mouratoglou. The French coaching expert, who gained fame working alongside Serena Williams, had joined Osaka’s coaching setup last September.
On Sunday, the Japanese tennis sensation used Instagram to confirm their professional split. “Merci Patrick. It was such a great experience learning from you. Wishing you nothing but the best,” she posted.
“You are one of the coolest people I’ve ever met and I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
After her 6-4, 6-2 loss to Raducanu last week, Osaka is scheduled to take on qualifier Ariana Arseneault in her opening Montreal match, potentially with Wiktorowski providing courtside guidance. The Polish tennis coach has been without a player since his split with Swiatek last fall.
He joined her team in 2021, leading her to the world No. 1 ranking and four of her six Grand Slam titles. In 2023, he was honored as the WTA Coach of the Year for his work with Swiatek. He also coached former world No. 2 Agnieszka Radwanska from 2011 to 2018.
Osaka previously teamed up with Wim Fissette, who now coaches Swiatek. Their on-and-off partnership lasted four years before ending last September. Just a few weeks later, Fissette began coaching the world No. 3, and they recently clinched their first Grand Slam title together at Wimbledon.
Former world No. 1 Osaka also worked with Sascha Bajin from 2017 to 2019, securing her first two Major titles under his guidance. They parted ways shortly after her 2019 Australian Open victory. Jermaine Jenkins stepped in for a few months following their split.
AloJapan.com