"We cannot expect miracles": Naomi Osaka's coach Wim Fissette calls recent form 'very promising' as he dispels clay court doubt

Despite some subpar performances on clay this season, Naomi Osaka seems to be making progress in her return to the WTA tour, according to her coach, Wim Fissette.

The Japanese superstar took some time off as she gave birth to her daughter, Shai, last summer. After making her return in Australia at the start of the 2024 season, Osaka has had a bag of mixed results. The former World No.1 defeated the likes of Caroline Garcia and Liudmila Samsonova during the first quarter of the season. However, she has struggled on clay, posting a disappointing 1-2 match record after showings in Rouen and Madrid.

With Osaka scheduled to compete at the Rome Open this week, fans are unsure of what to expect from the four-time Grand Slam champion. Nonetheless, Fissette is of the opinion that Osaka has made progress on the red surface.

“I’m super happy with the process," said the coach in an interview with Tennis Sweet Spot. “Regarding clay, specifically, it’s been a long time since she played on clay and a very long time since she was successful on clay so we cannot expect miracles. We might hope for them but we have to be realistic. When we got here five or six days ago, and where we are now: the process is super positive.
“But of course, losing is always disappointing and, of course, we want more. We are disappointed for her because with all the work she’s doing, I really hope she’s going to be rewarded soon. It’s just experience and time spent on the clay. It is different, you need time to make some tactical adjustments. Of course, the movement is different, the bounce is different as it’s a higher contact.
"But if you just think about the last five years, how many hours has she spent on clay and how many matches has she played on clay? Therefore what I saw was very promising."