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2018 US Open Tennis Tournament- Day Eleven. 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)
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2018 US Open Tennis Tournament- Day Eleven. 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)
Naomi Osaka achieved tremendous success at a very young age. At 20, she recorded her maiden Grand Slam title. It was at the US Open in 2018 that she defeated the American legend, Serena Williams, in the summit clash to win the biggest title of her career. Since then, she has added another major title in the United States and a couple of Australian Open titles to take her tally to four Grand Slam titles.
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Further, the 24-year-old has endured a mixed 2022 season. She lost in the third round and the opening round at the Australian Open and the French Open, respectively. A runners-up finish at the Miami Open has been her best result this year. Nonetheless, she recently had a moment to rejoice.
Stephen Curry and Naomi Osaka win at the BET Awards 2022
The American basketball ace and the Japanese tennis star were crowned Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, respectively, at the BET Awards 2022 in Los Angeles.
Steph Curry and Naomi Osaka take home Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at the 2022 #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/s4X9TZZ3cG
— kyle (@onthebulletin) June 26, 2022
Further, among the nominees for the Sportsman of the Year award were the likes of Aaron Donald, Bubba Wallace, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, and LeBron James apart from Curry. Meanwhile, Osaka overcame the challenge of Brittney Griner, Candace Parker, Serena Williams, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Simone Biles to win this award.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 30: Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates against Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic during their Women’s Singles first round match on Day One of the 2021 US Open at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 30, 2021 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
DIVE DEEPER: “You’ve Come a Long Way“: Naomi Osaka Cherishes Her Rollercoaster Ride as She Plunges Into a New Venture
Recently, Osaka suffered an untimely injury setback. The four-time Grand Slam champion suffered an Achilles injury which has troubled her in the past as well. As a result, Osaka withdrew from the Wimbledon Championships 2022.
Serena Williams has some advice for Osaka
During a pre-tournament press conference at Wimbledon, the 23-time Grand Slam champion spoke on the subject of mental health. She said, “I don’t know I wouldn’t be who I am if I didn’t go through and get through and what I got through. And I love who I am and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But there is often times that I think subconsciously I take breaks. I never played as much as the next player throughout my whole career.”
WATCH THIS STORY: Serena Williams vs Rafael Nadal—net worth comparison
Serena will begin her Wimbledon campaign today at Centre Court. She’ll face France’s Harmony Tan in the opening round.
Written by
Edited by
Tony Thomas