Naomi Osaka will begin 2026 with yet another change to her backroom team. French strength and conditioning coach Guillaume Brunoir has announced the end of his collaboration with the four-time Grand Slam champion, bringing to a close a partnership that began in late 2024.
The move marks another shift for Osaka, who has already navigated a year of transformation — and resurgence — on tour. After ending her 2025 campaign early due to a thigh injury, the former world No. 1 is again fine-tuning her support structure as she prepares for a full return.
From Mouratoglou to Momentum
Osaka’s recent journey has been a revolving door of change and rediscovery. Her short-lived alliance with Patrick Mouratoglou, sealed in September 2024, was meant to revive her form. Alongside Mouratoglou came Brunoir, who joined as part of the revamped setup.
However, results remained underwhelming; Osaka lingered outside the top 50 for most of that period. The partnership ended quietly, paving the way for a fresh start under Tomasz Wiktorowski, formerly of Iga Swiatek’s camp. The effect was immediate.
A Post-Mouratoglou Revival
Freed from the experiment that never quite clicked, Osaka rediscovered her competitive edge. Her first tournament under Wiktorowski’s guidance was a statement: a run to the Canadian Open final, where she pushed rising star Victoria Mboko to three sets before falling 6–2, 4–6, 1–6.
Momentum carried into New York. At the US Open, Osaka looked more like her old self, reaching the semi-finals after a string of composed performances before bowing out to Amanda Anisimova in a fierce three-setter (7–6, 6–7, 3–6).
Her Asian swing that followed was mixed — a modest 3–2 record across Beijing, Wuhan, and Osaka — before injury forced her withdrawal in her home tournament’s quarter-finals. Shortly after, she confirmed the end of her 2025 season, citing recovery priorities.
Guillaume Brunoir’s Farewell Message
Brunoir’s departure, announced via social media, carried a tone of quiet gratitude:
“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.”
Osaka replied warmly:
“Thanks for everything 🙏🏾 Wishing you the best on what’s to come!”
A Season of Progress
Despite ending her campaign prematurely, Osaka can reflect on one of her most encouraging seasons since her peak years. She compiled a 35–15 record, climbed back to World No. 16, and reached finals in Auckland (WTA 250) and the Canadian Open (WTA 1000), alongside her semi-final run in New York.
For a player who began the year ranked outside the top 60, the progress was undeniable. With a fresh start on the horizon and a new physical setup likely to come, the 2026 season promises another chapter in Osaka’s ongoing reinvention.