Naomi Osaka: Tennis trailblazer

A breakthrough with resonance

A breakthrough with resonance, Asian pioneer, Calm belies the power, An advocate for racial justice, Brand phenomenon, Making mental fitness a priority, A symbolic role at the Tokyo Olympics, Returning as a mother

Naomi Osaka’s 2018 US Open title, won by defeating Serena Williams, was her first Grand Slam victory. At 20, she became the first Japanese player to win a major in singles. Using the WTA, BBC Sports and The New York Times as sources, let's see the many ways in which Naomi Osaka has blazed a trail.

Asian pioneer

A breakthrough with resonance, Asian pioneer, Calm belies the power, An advocate for racial justice, Brand phenomenon, Making mental fitness a priority, A symbolic role at the Tokyo Olympics, Returning as a mother

In January 2019, Osaka became the first Asian woman ever to reach the No. 1 ranking in singles. The milestone came after her second consecutive Grand Slam title, at the Australian Open.

Calm belies the power

A breakthrough with resonance, Asian pioneer, Calm belies the power, An advocate for racial justice, Brand phenomenon, Making mental fitness a priority, A symbolic role at the Tokyo Olympics, Returning as a mother

Osaka’s style features heavy groundstrokes and a consistent, high-velocity serve. Her composed demeanour is in marked contrast to the intensity of her shot-making.

An advocate for racial justice

A breakthrough with resonance, Asian pioneer, Calm belies the power, An advocate for racial justice, Brand phenomenon, Making mental fitness a priority, A symbolic role at the Tokyo Olympics, Returning as a mother

She is also known for her social activism, especially with regard to Black Lives Matter. At the 2020 US Open, Osaka wore face masks bearing the names of Black victims of police violence. And she withdrew from a semifinal match in protest following the shooting of Jacob Blake.

Brand phenomenon

A breakthrough with resonance, Asian pioneer, Calm belies the power, An advocate for racial justice, Brand phenomenon, Making mental fitness a priority, A symbolic role at the Tokyo Olympics, Returning as a mother

Already an astute businesswoman, Osaka has earned over $50 million in a single year through deals with brands like Nike and Louis Vuitton. She also co-founded Evolve, a sports agency, and launched her own skincare brand Kinlò.

Making mental fitness a priority

A breakthrough with resonance, Asian pioneer, Calm belies the power, An advocate for racial justice, Brand phenomenon, Making mental fitness a priority, A symbolic role at the Tokyo Olympics, Returning as a mother

Osaka has also sought to raise awareness of the mental pressures top-flight athletes have to contend with. In 2021, she withdrew from the French Open to prioritise her mental health. She cited anxiety around press and media obligations as a key factor in her decision.

A symbolic role at the Tokyo Olympics

A breakthrough with resonance, Asian pioneer, Calm belies the power, An advocate for racial justice, Brand phenomenon, Making mental fitness a priority, A symbolic role at the Tokyo Olympics, Returning as a mother

She had the singular honour of being chosen to light the Olympic cauldron at the Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony. Though she exited in the third round, the moment reflected her national and international stature.

Returning as a mother

A breakthrough with resonance, Asian pioneer, Calm belies the power, An advocate for racial justice, Brand phenomenon, Making mental fitness a priority, A symbolic role at the Tokyo Olympics, Returning as a mother

Osaka gave birth to her daughter in mid-2023 and returned to play in early 2024. She resumed competition at the Brisbane International with a measured schedule.

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