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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)
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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)
Former World No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is a household name across the world. The 2021 Australian Open Champ has been one of the most notable players on the WTA Tour in recent years.
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Osaka has not played professional tennis since September as she took an ‘indefinite break’ from tennis due to mental health concerns. However, during her break, Naomi has increased her social media presence, and fans, for sure, are grateful.
Naomi Osaka dons a baseball hat and bat
Naomi Osaka tweeted a video of herself on Twitter today. The video shows her going through the swinging drills against an automated bowling machine. However, it comes with a twist.
😭😂 something’s not right. pic.twitter.com/rh4PUoo78g
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) November 30, 2021
Hilariously enough, Osaka is not using her trusted tennis racket. Instead, she is seen using a metal baseball bat to practice her two-handed backhand! Wearing a baseball helmet and draped in traditional baseball attire, Naomi Osaka looks all but ready to march into the MLB. As her Twitter bio reads, that is true ‘chaotic neutral’ energy from Osaka.
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With her swinging skills, we won’t be surprised if she makes it onto the diamond soon.
Fan uses ‘King Richard’ reference to respond to Osaka
USA Today via Reuters
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
Osaka commands an army of fans who fawn over her and her abilities, and her fans on Twitter were quick to respond to her post. One fan made a very cheeky reference to the newly-released movie ‘King Richard’. The movie depicts the story of Richard Williams, the father of Serena and Venus Williams.
In the movie, Richard is obsessed with ensuring that Venus keeps her hips open for a wide stance. It is definitely a running gag in the movie, and a fan responded to Osaka’s tweet by calling her stance wrong.
Gotta open up your hips for more power. pic.twitter.com/7y0A0V2Ehe
— Juice 🥤 (@Breusley) November 30, 2021
Osaka has not played a match in months now, following her third-round exit at the US Open. However, her indefinite hiatus does not stop fans from expressing their anticipation over the return.
Another fan took this as an opportunity to express their anticipation for Osaka’s return to the court.
okay, for a little fun; but would feel so much better if its a powerful backhand down the line for game.set.match😁👍😎😇
— GodDoesn’tDoPatientCare (@GodDoesntTriage) November 30, 2021
Quite clearly, the tennis world can’t wait to see Naomi Osaka back in action. Meanwhile, it also can’t get enough of her social media antics!
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