Naomi Osaka

About

Naomi Osaka is a renowned Japanese tennis player born on October 16, 1997, in Osaka, Japan. She began playing tennis at the age of three and turned professional in 2013. Osaka's career highlights include winning four Grand Slam titles: the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, and the U.S. Open in 2018 and 2020. She became the first Asian woman to be ranked No. 1 in the world. Osaka's influence extends beyond her tennis achievements; she is a vocal advocate for social justice and mental health awareness. Osaka has been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression, using her platform to destigmatize mental illness. In 2021, she withdrew from the French Open to prioritize her mental health, sparking a global conversation. She has partnered with organizations to promote mental health care and diversity in psychology. Osaka's activism also includes supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. She lit the Olympic cauldron at the 2020 Tokyo Games and has represented Japan in international competitions. After taking a maternity leave, Osaka returned to tennis in 2024, continuing to inspire both on and off the court.