Naomi Osaka: The Japanese Tennis Player Who Revolutionized the Sport
Naomi Osaka is more than a professional tennis player; she is a global icon, a powerful voice, and a figure who transcends the court. Born on October 16, 1997, in Osaka, Japan, she became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title and the first Asian to reach the top of the WTA world rankings. Her story, marked by historic achievements, multicultural identity, and social activism, inspires millions worldwide. This article explores Naomi Osaka’s journey, her tennis accomplishments, her cultural influence, and her impact off the court.
Childhood and Early Tennis Career
Multicultural Roots
Naomi Osaka was born in Chūō-ku, Osaka, to Tamaki Osaka, a Japanese woman from Nemuro, Hokkaido, and Leonard François, a Haitian from Jacmel. Her biracial heritage—Japanese and Haitian—shaped her identity and perspective. At age three, her family moved to Elmont, New York, to live with her paternal grandparents. Later, at eight or nine, they settled in Florida to pursue better training opportunities for Naomi and her older sister, Mari, who also played tennis.
Naomi’s father, Leonard, was inspired by Venus and Serena Williams after watching the 1999 French Open final. Though not a tennis player himself, he decided to coach his daughters using Richard Williams’ model. Leonard saw tennis as a path for his daughters to excel, training Naomi and Mari on public courts in Pembroke Pines, Florida. By day, the sisters practiced, and at night, they studied at home, balancing education and sport.
First Steps in Tennis
Naomi began playing tennis at three, influenced by her sister Mari, who was two years older and also a tennis player. Though she competed with Mari from a young age, Naomi didn’t defeat her until she was 16, a personal milestone she fondly recalls. Her determination and talent shone early, but she also faced prejudice. At 10, during a junior tournament in Florida, Naomi overheard two Japanese opponents questioning her identity: “That Black girl, she shouldn’t be Japanese?” This incident, shared with The Wall Street Journal, highlights the challenges she faced due to her appearance and multicultural background.
Despite this, Naomi strongly identified with her Japanese heritage. Her parents decided she and Mari would represent Japan, a choice rooted in the family’s Japanese culture. In 2019, before the Tokyo Olympics, Naomi renounced her U.S. citizenship to compete for Japan, as Japanese law does not allow dual citizenship after age 22.
Rise in Professional Tennis
Debut and Early Highlights
Naomi Osaka entered the professional scene in 2014 at 16, defeating former US Open champion Samantha Stosur at the Stanford Classic, her WTA debut. This early success put her on the global tennis radar. Two years later, in 2016, she reached her first WTA final at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo and ended the year in the top 50 of the world rankings.
Her aggressive playing style, featuring a powerful serve reaching 200 km/h (124 mph) and precise groundstrokes, set her apart. Naomi quickly proved she could compete with the world’s best, even at a young age.
Grand Slam Success
The year 2018 was a turning point for Naomi Osaka. In March, she won her first WTA title at Indian Wells, defeating Daria Kasatkina in the final. Often called the “fifth Grand Slam,” this victory marked her ascent as a top player. Months later, Naomi made history by winning the 2018 US Open, defeating her idol, Serena Williams, in the final. At just 20, she became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title.
The US Open victory was overshadowed by a dispute between Serena Williams and the umpire, but Naomi remained composed and won with authority. Serena later praised Naomi’s skill and humility. In 2019, Naomi solidified her status by winning the Australian Open against Petra Kvitová, becoming the first Asian to reach world No. 1 at age 21.
Naomi added two more Grand Slam titles: the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open. Each victory reinforced her position as one of the greatest players of her era. During the 2020 US Open, she drew attention not only for her title but for her activism, wearing masks with the names of victims of police violence in the U.S., such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, in each round.
Olympic Challenges
Naomi was chosen to light the Olympic cauldron at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), a historic moment as the first tennis player to receive this honor. Representing Japan, she carried a nation’s expectations. However, her tennis campaign ended in the round of 16 with a loss to Czech player Marketa Vondrousova. Naomi admitted feeling “a lot of pressure” competing at home but expressed joy at participating in her first Olympics.
Impact Off the Court
Anti-Racism Activism
Beyond her athletic achievements, Naomi Osaka is recognized for her social activism. As a Black and Asian woman, she uses her platform to combat racism and promote equality. During the 2020 US Open, she wore seven masks, each bearing the name of a victim of police violence or racism in the U.S., including Trayvon Martin and Ahmaud Arbery. Her actions sparked global attention, amplifying the Black Lives Matter movement.
Naomi also joined protests in the U.S. and, in August 2020, announced she would not play her Cincinnati tournament semifinal in support of anti-racism protests. Her decision prompted organizers to postpone the round, a collective stand for social justice. Compared to icons like Muhammad Ali and Jesse Owens, Naomi has become a reference in the fight for social change in sports.
Mental Health and Vulnerability
Naomi Osaka has also brought mental health in sports to the forefront. In May 2021, during Roland Garros, she announced she would skip press conferences to protect her mental health, revealing struggles with anxiety and depression since 2018. The decision sparked controversy but opened a vital conversation about athletes’ well-being.
After withdrawing from the tournament, Naomi shared her journey in interviews with TIME and Vogue Hong Kong, discussing the pressures of elite athletics and public exposure. Her honesty inspired other athletes to speak about their struggles, reshaping the narrative around mental health in sports.
Personal Life and Motherhood
Relationships and Family
Naomi Osaka has been in a relationship with American rapper Cordae since 2019. In January 2023, at age 25, she announced her pregnancy, sharing an ultrasound image on Instagram. In July 2023, Naomi gave birth to her daughter, Shai, in Los Angeles. Motherhood brought a new perspective, and she expressed her hope that Shai would one day watch her play and say, “That’s my mom.”
Naomi returned to the court in 2024 after nearly a year away, competing in the WTA 500 in Brisbane and the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she showed resilience despite not reaching the semifinals. She faced physical challenges, including an abdominal injury, but continued to compete with determination.
Hobbies and Interests
Off the court, Naomi is passionate about photography, video games, and fashion. She owns a collection of exclusive sneakers and a Nissan SkyLine GTR sports car. Her connection to pop culture led to features on the covers of Vogue Japan and Vogue Hong Kong, as well as a Barbie doll inspired by her. Naomi also released a Netflix documentary, sharing her personal and professional journey.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Breaking Barriers in Japan
Naomi Osaka has challenged stereotypes in Japan, a historically homogeneous country. Her biracial identity and direct style contrast with traditional expectations for Japanese athletes, as noted by reporter Hiroaki Wada in Mainichi. Naomi has sparked discussions about race and identity, becoming a symbol of a more diverse, modern Japan.
Global Influence
With her multicultural background, historic achievements, and activism, Naomi Osaka is one of the world’s most influential athletes. In 2020, she was the highest-paid female athlete, ranking 29th among all athletes according to Forbes. Her authenticity and courage make her a role model, especially for young Black and Asian women, who see her as a symbol of strength and resilience.
Conclusion
Naomi Osaka is more than a tennis player; she is a transformative force in sports and society. Her on-court achievements, including four Grand Slam titles and the world No. 1 ranking, establish her as one of the greatest athletes of her generation. Off the court, her fight for social justice and openness about mental health inspire change. As a mother, activist, and global icon, Naomi continues to redefine what it means to be an athlete, leaving a legacy that transcends tennis.
