‘It Was an Honor’- Japanese Surfer Kanoa Igarashi Lauds Naomi Osaka for Speaking Out on Important Issues
Follow Us
Naomi Osaka has been one of the most popular tennis players of recent times. Not only has she won 4 Grand Slam titles, but she also has been vocal about several pressing issues like mental health in athletes and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Kanoa Igarashi is a competitive surfer, hailing from Osama’s home country, Japan. He recently took to Instagram to post about a unique way in which he chose to honour the tennis star.
View this post on Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Igarashi says he was proud to represent Japan alongside Naomi Osaka. The international women’s day is on the 8th of March, and on the account of the upcoming day, Kanoa Igarashi honored Naomi Osaka at a recent tournament he played. During the round 1 heat, he wore a jersey with Osaka’s name on the back. He also posted a picture of the same and wrote an extremely heartfelt caption.
‘Don’t Change Yourself Change the World’ – Naomi Osaka’s First Ever Nike Ad Gives Goosebumps
“It was an honor to represent @naomiosaka yesterday in my round 1 heat. She inspires me to be real. In todays day in age, athletes are judged not only inside our arena but more so outside of our competition habitat. That can really affect the way we perceive ourselves to the world, but she is honest and speaks on important matters on and off the court. I’m proud to represent Japan with you,” the post elaborated.
Naomi Osaka reacts to the sweet gesture.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Naomi Osaka herself is quite active on social media. She promptly replied to the post, sharing it on her own profile as a story. She also thanked Igarashi for the mention.
Naomi Osaka, like Igarashi mentioned, has always been outspoken about the issues she cares about. She played only select tournaments in 2021, choosing to focus on her mental health instead. Though she did not have great results at the 2022 Australian Open, she seems motivated for her next appearance at the Indian Wells Masters.
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Ugo Humbert vs Botic Van De Zandschulp; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 26, 2024 07:18 AM EDT
Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family
April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
WATCH THIS STORY: A day with tennis star Naomi Osaka
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While she retired from her last tournament with a minor injury, her demeanour seems a lot more cheerful, showing that she will be soon back to her hard-hitting, strong-serving self.
Edited by:
Deepakshi Chaudhary