Things have not gone according to plan for Naomi Osaka off late. From unprecedented issues at the French Open to a dip in her form, it’s been a rough couple of months for the Japanese international. At the 2021 US Open too, she was unable to defend her title and ended up losing in the third round, failing to make it past teen sensation Leylah Fernandez.
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However, it’s not all that bad for Naomi Osaka off-court. She has bagged a number of endorsement deals, becoming the face of several leading companies in the market. Notably, the Japanese star is quite the American favorite. Not just fans and commercial firms, but even entities from varied sports share a close connection with the 4-time major’s winner.
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 14: Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates after winning match point in her Women’s Singles fourth round match against Garbine Muguruza of Spain during day seven of the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 14, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Naomi Osaka to feature in a basketball stars’ show
Fans have often spotted Naomi alongside legendary basketball players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Interestingly, Osaka will soon be featuring in “The Shop,” a show produced by LeBron himself. Undoubtedly, the youth icon will be a prominent addition to the show’s star-studded guest list. Fans can catch the episode on HBO.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 23: Naomi Osaka of Japan speaks during media day prior to the the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 23, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
On the business end of things, Naomi began the 2021 season brilliantly, winning the Australian Open. In doing so, she won her fourth Grand Slam title. However, it’s not all been rosy since then.
Read more: Roger Federer Intrigued as He Relives a Priceless Tribute by the US Open
Disappointing season
Citing mental health concerns, Naomi announced her withdrawal from the Roland Garros. Her decision was received with mixed reactions as it sparked controversy all across the globe. However, as her sabbatical continued, she also withdrew from the 2021 Wimbledon Championship.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 12: Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates winning match point during her Women’s Singles final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on Day Thirteen of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 12, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Despite a memorable return at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she could not go deep and failed to bag a medal for the host nation. We wish her the best of luck for the rest of the season.
Watch this story: Top Seeds Naomi Osaka, John Isner, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev and Others Who Faced Huge Upsets at US Open
