WATCH: 'This Means So Much To Me': Osaka After Receiving Emotional Message From A Fan
WTA
Naomi Osaka is having a challenging year on the court, but fans were reminded of her great work off it during a touching message from a child.
Osaka's next tournament will be at the US Open, a Grand Slam she has won twice. But expectations for the 24-year-old have been lowered after three consecutive defeats and many struggles throughout the year.
However, those disappointments have not stopped Osaka from being active off the court. Her production company, Hana Kuma, earned an Emmy nomination for its documentary, 'Mink!'
Osaka also launched the Play Academy in 2020 in collaboration with Laureus Sport for Good and Nike. It's aim is to increase girls' participation in sports through grants and capacity-building.
The initiative has been highly successful, being extended to several locations, such as Haiti and Los Angeles. A touching video sent to Osaka demonstrated how much the Play Academy means to children and parents.
A young girl named Uma thanked Osaka and said she wants to be like the four-time Grand Slam champion so she can make her proud. The young child ends by wishing Osaka well for the US Open.
"Hi Naomi, it's Uma. Thank you for all Naomi, I would like to be like you in the future and I will make you proud of me. I hope we will see you soon. Thank you for all and good luck for the next Grand Slam."
Uma's father also made some very kind remarks in the video. Osaka shared it on social media and wrote emotionally about how much it meant to help young players like Uma, who reminds the Japanese star of herself.
"This video means so much to me. I always wanted to help young tennis players that were like me, talented but could use some help with resources. I wanted to make it easier for the kids that will travel down the same path I did. So thankful for the grant from Play Academy."
