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What are some important facts about Naomi Osaka?
Naomi Osaka Naomi Osaka is a Japanese tennis player and social justice advocate who, in 2019, became the first Asian player to reach the top of the Women’s Tennis Association world rankings, Naomi Osaka was born in Ōsaka, Japan, in 1997 and raised in Japan until the age of three, when she moved to the United States
If you love tennis, you’ve likely heard of the incredible Naomi Osaka. Born in Japan in 1997 and currently based in the United States, Osaka has quickly become one of the top names in the sport. Her Grand Slam titles, gentle aura, and strong spirit make her a true force to be reckoned with. Here are 7 fun facts about her that you may not already know.
1. She Holds Dual Citizenship
Osaka currently holds dual citizenship in the US and Japan. She was born in the latter and moved to the US when she was three, returning often to face her Japanese heritage. Thus, Osaka is known for her Japanese roots, which has made her even more of an inspiration to those of similar cultural backgrounds.
2. Her Father is Her Coach
Osaka’s father, Leonard Francois, also serves as her coach. He has been training her since she was first introduced to the game as a young girl and has played an instrumental role in her success. The two of them worked together to train in various US locations in recent years, such as Florida, California, and Arizona.
3. Her Family is Musically Talented
Osaka’s family has a deep history in music. Her father is a singer and pianist, and her mother, Tamaki Osaka, is a Japanese singer. Osaka’s two older sisters, Mari and Yana, are both professional violinists. Clearly, music runs in the Osaka family, and it has extended even into her choice of superstitions. Before each match, she listens to music to get pumped up and prepared.
4. She Was Discovered at the Age of Three
Japanese tennis professional Shunsuke Mitsui was the one who discovered Osaka’s talent at a young age. Mitsui was highly impressed by her focus and concentration and subsequently recommended her to a professional coach—her father. Since then, she has never looked back.
5. She is The First Japanese to Win a Grand Slam Title
In 2018, Osaka won her first Grand Slam title at the US Open. She became the first Japanese tennis player to ever win one. Since then, she has gone on to hold the number one spot on the Women’s Tennis Association singles rankings successfully.
6. She Was Voted the WTA Player of the Year
In 2019, Osaka was voted the Women’s Tennis Association Player of the Year, becoming the first Asian woman to receive the honor. She was recognized for her phenomenal performance throughout the year, with a string of tournament wins under her belt.
7. She is an Animal Lover
Osaka is an avid animal lover and has two dogs—Dolce and Gabbana. She also supports animal rights, has been involved in several charity organizations, including one for the protection of elephants.
Naomi Osaka is certainly a one-of-a-kind athlete, and these seven facts only scratch the surface of her story. We are excited to see what her future holds both on and off the court.
