Reuters
Tennis – A Day at the Drive Exhibition – Memorial Drive Tennis Club, Adelaide, Australia – Japan’s Naomi Osaka reacts during her match against Serena Williams of the U.S. at A Day at The Drive REUTERS/Morgan Sette
Reuters
Tennis – A Day at the Drive Exhibition – Memorial Drive Tennis Club, Adelaide, Australia – Japan’s Naomi Osaka reacts during her match against Serena Williams of the U.S. at A Day at The Drive REUTERS/Morgan Sette
In recent years, Naomi Osaka has been in the headlines for all the right reasons. In a short span, she has reached great heights. Her success isn’t just limited to the tennis courts and is enjoyed by her off the courts too. She has numerous endorsement deals and is the face of various luxury brands.
Recently, Naomi Osaka received an invitation to attend the Met Gala 2021. For this, she received praise from former American tennis star Andy Roddick. The 38-year-old spoke highly of the Japanese player for highlighting tennis in the world of glamor.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 21: In town for the US Open, Andy Roddick walks the red carpet at the IHG “Legends, Unmatched” soiree at the Kimpton Hotel Eventi on August 21, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for IHG Hotels & Resorts)
Taking note of Naomi’s Met Gala invitation, Andy stated, “I have not been [to the Met Gala], I know my wife’s been. Tennis’ best friend Anna Wintour said you know what Naomi, you’re next. This is great for tennis because the names that we always reference the Rogers and Serenas and I think back to Andre Agassi, we need that crossover appeal, we need that mainstream thing where you’re kind of doing the dance between tennis and pop culture. Osaka has certainly taken that mantle for tennis.”
After Roger Federer and Serena Williams, it’s Naomi Osaka’s turn
In the past, players such as Roger Federer and Serena Williams have attended the hugely glamourous affair. Prior to that, even Andre Agassi had made his presence felt.
An appearance at an event as prestigious as the Met Gala adds value to the sport as those players in attendance represent the tennis world. It was Vogue editor Anna Wintour who gave her approval for the Japanese superstar.
Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Women’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Japan’s Naomi Osaka celebrates with the trophy after winning her final match against Jennifer Brady of the U.S. REUTERS/Kelly Defina
This tennis season, the success story continued for Naomi as she lifted her fourth Grand Slam title in Melbourne this year. After that, she competed in Miami where she, unfortunately, ended her 23-match winning streak.
As the focus has shifted towards the clay-court events, Osaka was seen in Madrid. However, she exited the event in the early stages. Clay has not been her preferred surface and therefore, it will be interesting to see how she fairs in the upcoming tournaments.
