USA Today via Reuters
Naomi Osaka of Japan hits the ball against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the women’s singles final match on day 13 of the 2020 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports | Credits: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Naomi Osaka of Japan hits the ball against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the women’s singles final match on day 13 of the 2020 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports | Credits: Reuters
The Japanese professional Naomi Osaka is often in the news due to her multicultural background. She is the daughter of a Haitian father and a Japanese mother residing in the United States since she was 3 years old. Recently, Naomi answered whether she felt any identity issue on her Instagram handle.
The 23-year-old is a 3 times Grand Slam winner and the only Asian player to become World No.1. She is also the first Japanese player to bag a major tournament title.
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Currently at World No. 3, Naomi will be looking to regain the top place in the 2021 season.
Often confused between Japanese and American, the 2020 US Open champion revealed her position on the matter.
“I haven’t but clearly everyone else does”: Naomi Osaka
Reuters
Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates with the championship trophy after her match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus (not pictured) in the women’s singles final on day thirteen of the 2020 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. |REUTERS
Previously, the 6 WTA titles winner honored her three cultures in an apparel line with Nike. She has openly mentioned her respect for all of them equally and that she is involved in each one. The Japanese finally replied practically and realistically.
Read More: All You Need To Know About Naomi Osaka’s New Nike Collection
Naomi said, “I haven’t but clearly, everyone else does. Every other week there’s a new article about people not being able to label me due to my ethnicity and nationality.” There has been always a certainty in her voice and it will continue to remain for long in the future.
But, Osaka doesn’t mind any of it. “Someone always has something to say, it’s borderline interesting,” the Japanese concluded.
She has won a Grand Slam title in each of the last three years – 2018 US Open, 2019 Australian Open, and the 2020 US Open. Her next appearance will be at the first major tournament of the 2021 season.
Osaka, Serena among top players in Australia
Getty
Naomi Osaka of Japan hugs Serena Williams of the United States after winning the Women’s Singles finals match on Day Thirteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2018, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Even with uncertainties looming over the event, the players are training rigorously for the upcoming Grand Slam tournament. It is also confirmed that the Qualifiers for the Australian Open will be held in Dubai.
Read More: CONFIRMED: Australian Open 2021 Qualifiers Gets New Venue
For players, there are many upgrades in the quarantine environment from the 2020 season. Reportedly, they will be air-lifted via chartered planes and can also train amidst the two-week mandatory quarantine. For Osaka, the target is to repeat the 2019 year in Australia and to regain her World No. 1 rank.
Will the Japanese flag hail once again at the 2021 Australian Open?
Also Read: “I’m Kind of Scared of Her”: Naomi Osaka Opens up on Comparisons with Serena Williams
