Naomi Osaka has officially bid farewell to one of the most significant figures in her comeback journey, just a week after her 2025 season came to an emotional end due to injury.
The four-time Grand Slam champion, who withdrew from her home tournament in Osaka earlier this month, is now also saying goodbye to her strength and conditioning coach, Guillaume Brunoir.
Naomi Osaka’s Painful Exit From Her Home Tournament
Osaka’s season ended abruptly when she was forced to pull out of the Japan Women’s Open quarterfinals because of a left thigh injury. The 28-year-old’s injury occurred during the second-round match against defending champion Suzan Lamens.
After calling for a medical timeout and returning to court with heavy strapping, Osaka fought through visible pain to seal a 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-2 victory. However, the emotional toll was evident as she covered her face at the net, holding back tears despite advancing to the quarterfinals. The next day, organizers confirmed her withdrawal, granting Jaqueline Cristian a walkover into the semifinals.
Osaka, who spent her 28th birthday in the hospital receiving treatment, later addressed fans through an Instagram video that doubled as a reflection on the year and a hopeful message for the future. “And that’s a wrap on my year,” she said with a smile in the clip. “Great year, everybody. Let’s do it again next year. Maybe a little differently. But yeah, it was fun. Thank you. And see you in Australia.”
Just over a week later, Brunoir shared an emotional farewell of his own. Posting on Instagram, the French coach uploaded a series of photos documenting their time together: training sessions, travel moments, and candid pictures from tournaments around the world.
“Some chapters are meant to leave a mark. From Los Angeles to Osaka, through every court, every session, every challenge. Quiet focus, fleeting moments, unseen efforts, and the laughter we shared along the way. Proud of the work, the growth, and the bond built during these months. Thankful for the path we shared. 🙏🏽 Ready for the next move,” Brunoir wrote in his caption.
Osaka responded in the comments, writing, “Thanks for everything 🙏🏾 wishing you the best on what’s to come!”
Naomi Osaka’s comment on Instagram
How Has Osaka Reshaped Her Coaching Team Since Her Comeback?
Since returning from maternity leave, Osaka has made several coaching changes while rebuilding her form and confidence on the tennis court. After welcoming her daughter, Shai, in July 2023, she began her comeback in early 2024.
Osaka first reunited with longtime coach Wim Fissette in late 2023, hoping to recapture their past success. However, despite some promising moments, results were inconsistent, and the pair split in September 2024. Soon after, she joined forces with Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams’ former coach.
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Under his guidance, Osaka won her first title in four years at the L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo in May 2025, her first on clay. Yet, their partnership ended just two months later, following her early exit from the Citi DC Open.
Following the split, Osaka appointed Tomasz Wiktorowski, the former coach of Iga Świątek. Known for his analytical approach, Wiktorowski has helped Osaka focus on strategy and consistency. Early signs under his leadership have been encouraging, including a strong showing at the WTA 1000 event in Toronto and a semifinal showing at the US Open.
AloJapan.com