In winning the Asian Games, Qinwen Zheng potentially had a point to prove after she confirmed that Wim Fissette has broke their contract to return to working with Naomi Osaka in 2024.
Only hiring the ex-coach of Osaka in June, she went on to capture her maiden WTA title with victory in Palermo and reached the Quarter-Finals of the US Open losing to Aryna Sabalenka.
But amid Osaka's impending return to the tour in 2024, she was left hurt by the decision of Fissette to break their contract and return to the former World No.1.
"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," she said post match.
Two Grand Slam titles went the way of Osaka while they worked together before they split in July 2022 before she left the sport to become a mother. She has already stated her intention to return at the 2024 Australian Open and be full time on the tour next year.
Previously Fissette was full of praise for his charge who is also known as Queenwen, but that has abruptly come to an end and the search for a new coach will likely begin.
“She’s strong and super fast. It’s really impressive how fast she is on the court. Second, her work ethic is unbelievable. It’s really nice: two hours of tennis per day, and also two gym sessions – it’s a normal day for her. It’s really impressive," said Fissette.
“She does everything with a big smile because it is really her desire, and her ambition – she wants to do everything it takes to achieve the best. First of all, she desires to be the best, she’s willing to do everything it takes. Athleticism is a very important one."
Qinwen Zheng says Wim Fissette has ended his partnership with her & will start coaching Naomi Osaka again: “He broke the contract. This is very immoral. I understand his decision, but my family and I feel hurt. Right now I don't want to talk about this person.”
