Naomi Osaka may play for Japan, but she makes it clear that she’s also representing Haiti.
The 20-year old rising tennis star was born in Osaka, Japan, but she now lives and trains in the U.S. Her breakthrough came in 2016 when she advanced to the final of the Toray Pan Pacific Open and was named the Women’s Tennis Association Newcomer of the Year.
Her fans enjoy her powerful playing style as well as her humorously blunt way of answering interview questions.
Responding to an awkwardly phrased post-match interview prompt about her being “very proudly Japanese, obviously,” Osaka acknowledged that while she is “honored to play for Japan,” she is Haitian on her father’s side, so she’s representing Haiti, too. Her response delighted Haitian fans, since there’s generally little positive representation of Haiti in the media.
At the time of the interview, which took place after the 3rd round of the Australian Open in January, Osaka was ranked no. 72 in the world. Since then she’s been steadily climbing up in the rankings to reach spot no. 22.
And on Wednesday March 21, she achieved one of the most significant wins in her career so far – defeating Serena Williams in straight sets at the Miami Open. The win was a huge boost for Osaka, who (like many young tennis players) has idolized and been inspired by Williams her whole life.
Osaka made headlines by defeating former no. 1 player Serena Williams. Photo: WTA
Though Osaka didn’t make it past the second round of the tournament, she definitely has a bright future ahead of her and will be an exciting player to watch!
Written by Megan Pearson on March 26, 2018