Turning pro in 2013, Naomi Osaka steadily climbed the ladder of success. Pushing her limits, the Japanese sensation became a 4-time Grand Slam champion and reached the top spot in the rankings. While Osaka continues to build up on her stardom, it is a thing to notice that like most tennis stars, Osaka also had idols during her childhood.

However, what comes as no surprise is her idolizing Venus and Serena Williams. Even since her professional debut, the 24-year-old has time and again admitted that the Williams sisters have been her idols ever since her childhood. Building further on it, the current World No. 40 opened up about how the two legendary players have helped her in her career.

Naomi Osaka goes all heart for Venus and Serena Williams

Stepping in a game largely dominated by the whites, Venus and Serena Williams had bigger challenges than just playing tennis on the professional circuit. However, believing in their game, the two made sure to make such a mark in the game that restricts anyone from raising fingers at them.

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Praising the sisters for their bravery in handling the issues, Osaka started by asserting, “The Williams sisters were such trailblazers and tackled so many issues head-on.”

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Idolizing the Williams sisters, Osaka, hoped to walk in the shoes of the two legends. Going back in time, Naomi Osaka, born in Osaka, Japan, moved to New York, USA, as a toddler. Holding a tennis racquet for the first time at the age of three. The star player set her idols as the Williams sisters who were rapidly climbing the success ladder during that time.

Being a witness to the Williams sister’s dealing of countless racial discriminations, Osaka made sure to not leave an opportunity to praise them. “As a Black female athlete, I credit them for breaking down barriers for me,” she said.

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Even though Osaka idolizes the two sisters, she has made sure to not let it affect her performance against them. Looking at the stats, Osaka leads the head-to-head race 3-1 against Serena Williams. On the other hand, she is tied at 1-1 in the head-to-head race against Venus Williams.