Wim Fissette has just started a new chapter of his coaching life with the former world no.1 Naomi Osaka to try to help the Japanese to reach new heights. Wim used to be the hitting partner and then the coach of Kim Clijsters for many years to win 3 slams and the WTA Finals together. Even if the Belgian has special memories with Clijsters, he remains dubious about Kim’s chances to have a successful comeback on tour.
Most probably inspired by Serena Williams’ longevity, the Belgian decided to try to stage a comeback after 7 years and being the mother of 3.
Why Fissette has doubts about Kim’s comeback
During a recent interview with RTL Sport, Fissette commented:
“I was also surprised by this announcement. I have always believed in Kim enormously and I know her qualities. But I also know that it goes back a long time, that tennis has evolved, that it is no longer the only about the one who hits hard the ball and moves very well.
She is also always prone to injury. And with age, that risk increases. I can hardly imagine that she could become a better player than she was in 2009. She is 36 years old. She has not played for the past seven years, and if she manages to get close to the 2009 level, I wonder what that will give against the Top 10, even the Top 20. It is difficult to say.”
Naomi Osaka’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.3, Naomi played her last match on the 27th of October when she defeated Petra Kvitova 7-61 4-6 6-4 in the round robin in Shenzhen.
At present, this year the Japanese has a 40-11 win-loss record. The Japanese clinched 3 titles in 2019 at the Australian Open, in Osaka and in Beijing.