Naomi Osaka, born October 16, 1997, is a Japanese professional tennis player and a four-time Grand Slam champion.
She has achieved the world No. 1 ranking in singles, being the first Asian player to do so.
Recently, on January 6, 2025, she announced her breakup with rapper Cordae after six years together, emphasizing their amicable co-parenting of their daughter, Shai.
Osaka is preparing for the upcoming Australian Open following an injury scare at the ASB Classic final.
Parents
Naomi’s parents are Leonard François and Tamaki Osaka.
Leonard, of Haitian descent, met Tamaki, a Japanese native, while studying in Japan.
They moved to the U.S. for better opportunities for their daughters, Naomi and her sister Mari, who also played tennis.
The family decided early on that Naomi would represent Japan in tennis, reflecting their cultural identity.
They have been supportive throughout her career, with Leonard coaching her and Tamaki working to provide for the family.
Career
Osaka began her tennis journey at a young age, influenced by her Haitian father, Leonard François, and Japanese mother, Tamaki Osaka.
She turned professional in 2013 and quickly made her mark on the sport, rising through the ranks of junior competitions.
By 2016, she had gained attention on the WTA Tour, reaching the third round of the Australian Open and securing her first WTA title in 2018 at the Indian Wells Masters.
Osaka gained international fame when she won her first Grand Slam title at the 2018 US Open.
In a dramatic final against Serena Williams, she showcased her powerful baseline game and remarkable mental fortitude.
This match was particularly notable not only for Osaka’s victory but also for the controversy surrounding Williams’ behavior during the match.
She continued her success by winning the Australian Open in January 2019, defeating Petra Kvitova in a thrilling three-set final.
In addition to her Grand Slam titles, Osaka won her second US Open in 2020, overcoming Victoria Azarenka in another intense three-set final.
She captured her second Australian Open title in 2021 by beating Jennifer Brady.
These victories solidified her position as one of the top players in women’s tennis and highlighted her ability to perform under pressure.
Beyond her achievements on the court, Osaka has made significant contributions off it.
She has been an outspoken advocate for social issues, particularly racial inequality and mental health awareness.
During the 2020 US Open, she wore masks featuring names of victims of racial violence to raise awareness about these issues.
In 2021, Osaka made headlines again when she withdrew from several tournaments to prioritize her mental health after facing immense pressure as a public figure.
After taking a break from competitive tennis following the birth of her daughter in July 2023, Osaka made her return to the sport in late 2024.
She expressed excitement about competing again and is preparing for upcoming tournaments, including the Australian Open.
