Every week in the tennis world, countless stories emerge that don’t always make headlines but are too intriguing to overlook. It can be on-court or off-court stuff that goes under the radar of bigger storylines. Surprising news surrounding Naomi Osaka is featured in this article alongside other tennis news and stories which was not covered by LWOT in a separate article.
Tennis News Weekly Roundup
Jannik Sinner has Hired Novak Djokovic’s Former Physical Trainer
World No.1 Jannik Sinner has hired Marco Panichi to his team. They will begin working together from next week. Panichi was a former physical trainer for Novak Djokovic and they enjoyed immense success together. Sinner fired his physiotherapist and fitness trainer last month after the noise of his doping allegations and was on the lookout for a new trainer. Any person who has worked alongside Novak Djokovic will be of immense benefit to the Italian. Sinner will look to improve his physicality with this new addition to the team.
Elina Svitolina’s Season is Over
Elina Svitolina’s 2024 season is over due to injury. This is the second year in a row that she ends her season right after the US Open due to injury. Svitolina said: “I had a good season, I already finished it because I got injured. To finish this year in the top 30 is a good result, considering that I was injured more [of the time] this season.” Svitolina had a decent season overall and was particularly strong at the Slams but she had a great chance to push for the top 20 as she has nothing to defend for the rest of the season. Hopefully, she’ll be able to remain healthy next year and play a full season.
Naomi Osaka Splits with Wim Fissette, Patrick Mouratoglou Rumoured New Coach
Naomi Osaka has split with Wim Fissette, who was her coach for four years and helped her win two Slams.
Osaka and Fissette split: pic.twitter.com/GtBujueWmi
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 13, 2024
Fissette was coaching Qinwen Zheng during Osaka’s maternity leave but got back with her once she came back on tour. Osaka was seen practising with Patrick Mouratoglou after this announcement. It is rumored that Mouratoglou would be Osaka’s new coach which is a bit surprising, to say the least. Given Osaka’s struggles to deal with adjusting to the Tour again, I wonder if she is looking for someone who can instill confidence in her rather than just focus on technical stuff. Mouratoglou might be better suited for that kind of role than Fissette.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports