Naomi Osaka is one of tennis's biggest superstars, already creating a massive impact on and off the court, despite being an active player.
The Japanese star's best level during matches thrills fans worldwide, but she has taken steps to create a broader legacy that will endure for many years to come. This article highlights the most notable moments from her life.
Osaka was born on October 16th, 1997, in Osaka, Japan. She is 180 cm tall (5 ft 11 in), weighs approximately 69 kg, and currently resides in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California.
When did Naomi Osaka start playing tennis?
After moving with her family to the U.S. as a four-year-old, Osaka began playing tennis after her father, Francois, was inspired by watching the Williams sisters. He coached his daughter before she started working with Patrick Tauma at the ISP Academy. In 2014, Osaka moved to the Harold Solomon Tennis Academy.
Who was Naomi Osaka's idol?
Osaka was most influenced by 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, and regularly watched the American during her junior years.
Does Naomi Osaka have any siblings?
Mari is Naomi's older sister. She also played tennis, reaching a career-high of No. 280 before deciding to pursue other projects. Mari has collaborated with her sibling on fashion and artistic projects.
Does Naomi Osaka have any children?
Osaka and the rapper Cordae have a daughter named Shai. She was born in July 2023, and Osaka took the 2023 season off to be with her.
How long were Naomi Osaka and Cordae in a relationship?
Cordae and Osaka announced their split in January 2025 after over five years together. It was done cordially, with the tennis star lauding the rapper as an awesome dad to their daughter.
How many Grand Slams has Naomi Osaka won?
Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam champion, all on hard courts. She won her maiden major title at the 2018 US Open, beating future WTA world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round before overcoming the legendary Serena Williams in the final. That was followed by securing the 2019 Australian Open final, defeating Petra Kvitova in a dramatic three-set final.
Her other Grand Slam titles occurred at the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open after final victories against Aryna Sabalenka and Jennifer Brady. She has yet to lose in a major final.
What was the controversy in Naomi Osaka's maiden Grand Slam final?
The 2018 US Open final between Osaka and Williams was among the most divisive matches in tennis history. Umpire Carlos Ramos gave the home favorite a code violation after noticing her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, making a gesture he believed was coaching. Williams repeatedly and furiously claimed she would never do that, but Mouratoglou admitted afterward he was trying to coach her.
Ramos handed Williams a second violation for smashing her racket. The six-time US Open champion launched a tirade at Ramos, which included calling the Portuguese official a thief. That caused him to give Williams a third violation and a game penalty. The American called the tournament referee and WTA supervisor to the court and accused Ramos of sexism.
Osaka did remarkably well to stay composed and deservedly won the final 6-2, 6-4. However, the crowd unfairly booed her during the trophy ceremony, which made her cry.
When did Naomi Osaka first become world No. 1?
Osaka reached world No. 1 for the first time on January 28th, 2019, after winning that year's Australian Open.
How many titles has Naomi Osaka won?
Osaka has only won three other titles outside her four at Grand Slam level: The 2018 Indian Wells Open, the 2019 China Open, and the Pan Pacific Open, taking her overall total to seven.
What is Naomi Osaka's favorite surface?
The multiple-time major champion's favorite surface is hard courts. All of her finals at WTA 250 level and above were on that surface, and she has yet to progress past the third round of the French Open and Wimbledon.
What are Naomi Osaka's hobbies?
Osaka has various hobbies, but particularly enjoys fashion, gaming, and photography.
What is Naomi Osaka's production company?
Osaka and her agent, Stuart Duguid, launched a production company named Hana Kuma. The company's documentary about Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress, was Emmy-nominated. Hana Kuma has also formed a partnership with the LPGA to create a brand-building initiative for female golfers.
How has Naomi Osaka raised awareness about mental health issues?
The former world No. 1 has suffered from depression for many years. She refused to do press conferences at the 2021 French Open to protect her mental health before withdrawing from the tournament. Osaka subsequently went into therapy.
Many have praised Osaka for speaking openly about the issue, and she has become known as one of sport's leading advocates for mental well-being. The two-time Australian Open champion continues to talk about the subject, inspiring people worldwide.
How has Naomi Osaka advocated against police brutality in the United States?
Osaka withdrew from the 2020 Cincinnati Open to raise awareness about the police shooting of Jacob Blake, which led to all ATP and WTA matches being postponed for a day. At the 2020 US Open, she wore a mask containing the names of African Americans who had been killed, mostly by police, and also attended the George Floyd protests.
What is Naomi Osaka's charity?
In 2020, Osaka launched the Play Academy. Its mission is to level the playing field for girls through play and sport via various partnerships and capacity-building programmes. It has been very successful and supports girls in multiple locations.
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