Atri Bhatt is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. He is pursuing his Master's degree in Sports Management from Deakin University, Australia. In addition to critically analysing the game, he also plays tennis professionally. Atri adores Novak Djokovic and believes he will be recognized as the greatest tennis player of all time. In what little time he spends not thinking about Tennis, Atri enjoys reading historical books.

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“Was So Cute”: Naomi Osaka Hands Over Precious Gift to Kid at US Open 2021

Aug 30, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates after recording match point Marie Bouzkova of Czech Republic in the first round on day one of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

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Atri Bhatt is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. He is pursuing his Master's
degree in Sports Management from Deakin University, Australia. In addition to
critically analyzing the game, he also plays tennis professionally. Atri adores
Novak Djokovic and believes he will be recognized as the greatest tennis player
of all time. In what little time he spends not thinking about Tennis, Atri
enjoys reading historical books.

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In a talk show, Naomi Osaka talked about her relationship with the late Kobe Bryant. Osaka said Kobe has always been a role model for her.

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Naomi Osaka Aims to Pass Down Kobe Bryant's Advice to Upcoming Players

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Naomi Osaka Aims to Pass Down Kobe Bryant's Advice to Upcoming Players - EssentiallySports

Naomi Osaka Aims to Pass Down Kobe Bryant&#8217;s Advice to Upcoming Players

Atri Bhatt is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. He is pursuing his Master's degree in Sports Management from Deakin University, Australia. In addition to critically analyzing the game, he also plays tennis professionally. Atri adores Novak Djokovic and believes he will be recognized as the greatest tennis player of all time. In what little time he spends not thinking about Tennis, Atri enjoys reading historical books.

<h2 style="text-align: center">Kobe Bryant 2022: Bio, Net Worth and Endorsements</h2>
Kobe Bryant was a former <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/">NBA</a> player. Born on August 23, 1978, he entered the NBA straight from high school. He had a spectacular high school career and became the first freshman in decades to start for the Lower Merion High Varsity team.

In addition, his outstanding performances in his high school years saw him selected in the first round of the 1996 NBA draft. Also, he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the 13th pick, after which he was traded to the <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/nba/los-angeles-lakers/">Los Angeles Lakers</a>.

[caption id="attachment_511839" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-511839" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210111204823/GettyImages-583577626.jpg" alt="LA Lakers' legend Kobe Bryant and his mamba mentality inspire Christian Wood" width="1920" height="1357" /> Kobe Bryant of USA during the Mens Basketball Preliminary Round, Group A match between USA and Tunisia as part of the 2012 London Olympic Summer Games at the Basketball Arena, Olympic Park, London, England, UK on August 31st, 2012. Photo: Gary Prior/Visionhaus (Photo by Ben Radford/Corbis via Getty Images)[/caption]

He spent 20 seasons with the team and is recognized as one of the all-time greats. Moreover, he is fourth on the list of all-time points scored in the league with 33,643 points.

Bryant gave himself the name "Black Mamba" in the mid-2000s. It stemmed from his ability to score with precision. In his long career, Bryant initially played with No 8 jersey and later changed to 24- both of which are retired by the Lakers.

[caption id="attachment_511832" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-511832" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210111204617/GettyImages-519540856.jpg" alt="Lakers' Kobe Bryant" width="1920" height="1280" /> LOS ANGELES, USA - APRIL 6: Kobe Bryant of Los Angeles Lakers gestures during the NBA match between Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, in Los Angeles, USA on April 6, 2016. (Photo by Mintaha Neslihan Eroglu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)[/caption]

Kobe Bryant was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2020.
<h2> Major achievements </h2>
5× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2009, 2010)

2× NBA Finals MVP (2009, 2010)

NBA Most Valuable Player (2008)

18× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2016)

4× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011)

11× All-NBA First Team (2002–2004, 2006–2013)

9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2000, 2003, 2004, 2006–2011)

2× NBA scoring champion (2006, 2007)

NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1997)

NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1997)

Nos. 8 &amp; 24 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
<h2>Kobe Bryant stats</h2>
<table width="416">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Games</td>
<td>1346</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points</td>
<td>33,643 (25.0 <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ppg</a>)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rebounds</td>
<td>7,047 (5.2 rpg)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Assists</td>
<td>6,306 (4.7 apg)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Kobe Bryant's net worth &amp; endorsements</h2>
Before making his debut, Kobe Bryant signed a whopping $48 million contract with Adidas for 6 years. Consequently, in the year 2007, CNN estimated Bryant's endorsement deals to be worth $16 million annually. Also, in 2013, Forbes named him the 5th highest paid sports star in the world. Moreover, at the time of his death, Forbes estimated his net worth to be nearly $770 million. More recently, <a href="https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/nba/kobe-bryant-net-worth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Celebrity Net Worth</a> reported his net worth to stand at around $600 million.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-news-los-angeles-lakers-childhood-home-of-lakers-legend-kobe-bryant-listed-on-the-market-for-almost-a-million-dollars/">Childhood Home of Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant Listed On The Market For Almost a Million Dollars</a>
<h2>Kobe Bryant foundation and charity</h2>
The Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation (KVBFF) was founded to help the homeless. Also, the foundation aims in assisting young people in need. Additionally, Bryant has made many notable contributions to various charities.  Moreover, he was the official ambassador of the After-School All-Stars (ASAS), an American non-profit organization that provides after-school programs to children in US.

Likewise, in 2009, Bryant started the Kobe Bryant China Fund which partnered with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, a charity backed by the Chinese government. Further, the Fund works towards raising money within China for education and health programs.
<h2>Kobe Bryant's rich history in the Olympics</h2>
Spearheading Team USA at the Olympic Games, Kobe won two consecutive gold medals, in 2008 and 2012. He was part of two unbeaten setups, and averaged around 12 and 15 points in each campaign, respectively. For his country, he never lost an international encounter, adding to his long list of accolades.
<h2>Kobe Bryant Oscar</h2>
Also, Bryant was a part of an animated short film, Dear Basketball, which won an Oscar for the Best Animated Short Film. Moreover, the movie, based on a letter Bryant wrote for 'The Players' Tribune' in 2015, it was written and narrated by the player as well.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-news-i-do-have-talent-other-than-dribbling-and-shooting-what-the-oscar-award-meant-for-kobe-bryant/">“I Do Have Talent Other Than Dribbling and Shooting”: What the Oscars Meant for Kobe Bryant</a>
<h2>Kobe Bryant books</h2>
Further, Bryant’s book, The Mamba Mentality: How I Play released in October 2018. Filled with photos and his feelings, it looks back at his illustrious career. Moreover, he has co-written several novels which include The Wizenard Series: Training Camp, Legacy and the Queen, and The Tree of Ecrof. Further, he was working on a children’s book with a Brazilian author at the time of his death. However, the co-author did not release the book and deleted the draft after Kobe’s death. In addition, a Kobe-specific podcast named 'I am Kobe' was released in 2021.
<h2>Kobe Bryant death</h2>
On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash at the age of 41. Also, the crash caused the death of eight others, which included his daughter Gianna Bryant. Later, there was a funeral and memorial service for Bryant held at Staples Center, Los Angeles.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-news-legendary-tattoo-artist-reveals-kobe-bryant-wanted-to-tattoo-capris-name-before-his-untimely-death-los-angeles-lakers-basketball-mister-cartoon/">Legendary Tattoo Artist Reveals Kobe Bryant Wanted to Tattoo Capri’s Name Before His Untimely Death</a>

Kobe Bryant on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kobebryant/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/kobebryant/?hl=en</a>

Kobe Bryant on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/kobebryant?lang=en">https://twitter.com/kobebryant?lang=en</a>
<table width="428">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Born</td>
<td>August 23, 178</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Died</td>
<td>January 26, 2020 (Aged 41)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marital Status</td>
<td>Married</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Spouse</td>
<td>Vanessa Bryant</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kids</td>
<td>Gianna Maria-Onroe, Bianka Bella, Natalia Diamante, Capri</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rings</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Height</td>
<td> 6' 6" (1.98 m)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Weight</td>
<td> 96 kg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wingspan</td>
<td>2.1 m</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shoe size</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Endorsements</td>
<td>Adidas, Nike, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Nintendo</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Kobe Bryant

<h3>Naomi Osaka 2022: Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements</h3>
<img class="size-full wp-image-504135 aligncenter" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20210105171703/GettyImages-1198564449.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" />
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 10: Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates a point in her quarterfinal match against Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands during day five of the 2020 Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena on January 10, 2020, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
<h3>Early life and background</h3>
Naomi Osaka was born to a Haitian father and a Japanese mother on October 16, 1997, in Osaka, Japan. 
Naomi's father was inspired by watching the Williams sisters play at the 1999 French Open. Despite having little exposure to the sport of tennis, François began the tennis training of his two daughters. 
Training his children in the US, François and his wife decided their daughters would represent Japan. Naomi's sister, Mari Osaka, is a retired professional tennis player.
Naomi has since gone on to become the only Japanese Grand Slam singles champion. 

<h3 class="p1">Professional career</h3>
In 2016, Naomi was through to the final of a WTA tournament at the age of 18, where she fell to Caroline Wozniacki. Nevertheless, Osaka broke into the top 50 of the WTA rankings for the first time. 
The same year, she made her maiden appearance at a Grand Slam in Melbourne. She was also crowned as the WTA 'Newcomer of the Year.'
The year 2018 showered prosperity over Osaka. She won her first Grand Slam by defeating her childhood idol Serena Williams. She also became the first Japanese player to contest and win a Grand Slam final.


[caption id="attachment_484607" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-484607" src="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1125016376.jpg" alt="Naomi Osaka with the Australian Open trophy" width="1920" height="1262" /> Naomi Osaka of Japan with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup following victory in her Women's Singles Final match against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)[/caption]
Osaka continued her Majors winning streak at the<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/tennis/australian-open/"> Australian Open</a> 2019, where she defeated <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/petra-kvitova/">Petra Kvitova</a> in the finals. She also reached the highest ranking in her career by securing the World No.1 position. 
After her Australian Open victory, her career took a turn. She parted ways with her coach Sascha Bajin and went title-less for a few months.

Osaka trained under Jermaine Jenkins, but she called off her association with him within six months. Currently, she trains with Wim Fissette.

In her hometown tournament at Pan Pacific Open 2019 in Osaka, the Japanese ace finally ended her title-less run.

The following week, she went on to clinch the title in Beijing, China by knocking down <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/ashleigh-barty/">Ashleigh Barty</a> in the finals. The end of her 2019 season was marred by injuries. She won her third Grand Slam at the 2020 US Open, defeating Victoria Azarenka.

Osaka continued her impressive Grand Slam final record at Australian Open 2021. She made it four out of four in Grand Slam finals as she beat Jennifer Brady to claim her 2nd Australian Open title and fourth Grand Slam title.
<h3>Naomi Osaka's form before the 2022 season</h3>
After winning her fourth Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, Osaka witnessed a major dip in form, which was caused by mental health issues that she had been struggling with. As a result, Naomi withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon Championships 2021.

Her decision to skip press conferences at the French Open got blown out of proportion and she decided to withdraw from the tournament before her second round tie.

She made a comeback for the US hard-court season and couldn't live up to the expectations as she lost in the third-round of the US Open to Canadian rising star Leylah Fernandez.
<h3>Naomi Osaka Australian Open 2022</h3>
Osaka ended her disappointing season after the US Open and worked on her game during the off-season to make a strong re-entry for the 2022 Australian summer.

Coming into the 'Happy Slam', Osaka played the warm-event in Melbourne and reached the semis before pulling out of the event owing to an abdominal injury.

At the Australian Open, Osaka registered straight-set victories in her first two matches and fell in the third round to Amanda Anisimova in a gripping three-set contest.
<h3>Personal Life</h3>
Osaka is dating rapper YBN Cordae. Once as a fangirl, she accepted a 'date' with Michael B. Jordan for the premiere of Creed 2.
<h3>Naomi Osaka: Net Worth 2022</h3>
Osaka is one of the leading athletes in the world to amass massive earnings for the year 2021. Forbes estimated her earnings towards the end of 2021 to be $60 million dollars.

Out of the earnings, only $5 million had come from playing events and the rest she earned through top-brand sponsorships.
<h3 class="p4">Naomi Osaka’s Endorsements in 2022</h3>
[caption id="attachment_483103" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-483103" src="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1032398090.jpg" alt="Naomi Osaka" width="1920" height="1280" /> Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates winning the first set during her victory against Madison Keys of the United States in the Women's Singles Semi Final match on Arthur Ashe Stadium at the 2018 US Open Tennis Tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 6th, 2018 in Flushing, Queens, New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)[/caption]
Over the past ten years, Yonex has been sponsoring Osaka's tennis rackets. Nike supports her with apparel. She is the ambassador for Japanese automobile manufacturer Nissan Motor and Japanese electronics manufacturer Citizen Watch.
She also endorses several other Japanese companies, including noodle maker Nissin Foods, cosmetics producer Shiseido, the broadcasting station Wowow, and airline All Nippon Airways (ANA). 
Naomi Osaka is the brand ambassador for Mastercard. Her other <a href="https://www.naomiosaka.com/en/news/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">endorsements</a> include Bare Minerals, Body Armor, Hyperice, Melco Resorts, Morinaga, and Ariel Japan.

Osaka was also declared one of the most marketable female athletes in the world.

ALSO READ - <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/inside-naomi-osaka-7-million-mansion-in-los-angeles-which-she-bought-from-nick-jonas-wta-tennis-news/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Inside Naomi Osaka’s $7 Million Mansion in Los Angeles That She Bought From Nick Jonas</a>
<h3>Naomi Osaka: Foundations/Charity Work</h3>
During the COVID-19-induced lockdown in July 2020, Osaka and her older sister Mari collaborated with UNICEF to design and produce a limited-edition face mask, which was made available for the public to buy.

The proceeds from the initiative went to the needy in Japan, where Osaka hails from.
<h3>How to Contact Naomi Osaka:</h3>
<table class="t1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="top">
Age
</td>
<td class="td2" valign="top">
24
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td3" valign="top">
Boyfriend
</td>
<td class="td4" valign="top">
<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/who-is-naomi-osakas-boyfriend-ybn-cordae/">YBN Cordae</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="top">
Residence
</td>
<td class="td2" valign="top">
Beverly Hills, California, United States
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td3" valign="top">
Nationality
</td>
<td class="td4" valign="top">
Japanese
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td5" valign="top">
Achievements
</td>
<td class="td6" valign="top">
7 WTA titles
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td7" valign="top">
Endorsements
</td>
<td class="td8" valign="top">
Yonex, Nike, Nissan Motors, Mastercard, ANA, Nissin, Citizen Watch, Shiseido, Wowow, etc.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="top">
Net Worth
</td>
<td class="td2" valign="top">
US $60 million
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td3" valign="top">
Height
</td>
<td class="td4" valign="top">
1.8m (5 ft 11 in)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="top">
Weight
</td>
<td class="td2" valign="top">
69 kg
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td3" valign="top">
Coach
</td>
<td class="td4" valign="top">
Wim Fissette
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Official Website - <a href="https://www.naomiosaka.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Naomi Osaka</a>

Twitter - <a href="https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_?s=17" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@Naomi_Osaka_</a>

Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/naomiosaka/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Naomi Osaka</a>

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Naomi Osaka Aims to Pass Down Kobe Bryant’s Advice to Upcoming Players

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