Baomi Osaka

Who is Naomi Osaka?

Naomi Osaka is a Japanese professional tennis player who has made significant strides in the sport, both on and off the court. Born on October 16, 1997, in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan, she is of mixed heritage, with a Japanese mother and a Haitian-American father. Osaka moved to the United States at the age of three and began her tennis journey inspired by the Williams sisters. Her rise to prominence came at 16 when she defeated former US Open champion Samantha Stosur in her WTA Tour debut at the 2014 Stanford Classic. She has since won seven WTA Tour-level singles titles, including four Grand Slam titles: two at the Australian Open and two at the US Open. Osaka achieved the world No. 1 singles ranking on January 28, 2019, becoming the first Asian player to hold the top ranking in singles.

Early Life and Education

Naomi Osaka was born on October 16, 1997, in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan, to a Japanese mother, Tamaki Osaka, and a Haitian-American father, Leonard François. Her mixed heritage has played a significant role in shaping her identity both on and off the tennis court. Naomi’s parents made the decision to move to the United States when she was just three years old, settling in the city of Long Island, New York. Raised in the United States, she was exposed to various cultural influences, which have shaped her global appeal and her approach to the sport of tennis.

Her parents were instrumental in her development as a tennis player, despite their limited experience in the sport. Naomi’s father, Leonard, introduced her to tennis at the age of three, inspired by his admiration for the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, who were dominating the sport at the time. Leonard began teaching Naomi the basics of the game by watching tapes of the Williams sisters and learning techniques that he would then pass on to his daughters.

Naomi’s early life was not without challenges. Her family lived in a modest apartment in the United States, and her parents worked hard to support Naomi’s dreams. Naomi was also introduced to the sport of tennis by her older sister, Mari Osaka, who was also a tennis player. While Mari pursued tennis professionally for a time, Naomi’s trajectory was different, as she soon showed exceptional promise on the court.

Osaka attended the public school system in the U.S. during her early years but eventually dropped out of school to focus on her tennis career. Her decision to homeschool during her teenage years allowed her to dedicate herself to training while still keeping up with her studies in a more flexible environment. By the time she was 16, Naomi was already competing professionally, and her academic path took a backseat to her athletic career. Nevertheless, Naomi’s ability to balance her education with her budding tennis career was a testament to her strong work ethic and determination.

Personal Life

Naomi Osaka’s personal life has garnered significant media attention, both for her achievements in tennis and for her outspoken nature on social justice issues. Despite her international fame, Naomi has managed to keep much of her personal life private. She has been known for her humility and introspective nature, often using her platform to speak out on issues that are important to her, such as mental health, racial equality, and women’s rights.

In 2021, Naomi made headlines when she publicly revealed her struggles with mental health. During the French Open that year, she withdrew from the tournament after revealing that she had been battling anxiety and depression. This move was seen as a significant moment for mental health awareness in the sports world, as Naomi’s decision to prioritize her well-being over competition highlighted the importance of addressing mental health challenges. Naomi’s openness about her struggles has inspired many other athletes and individuals around the world to seek help and speak out about their own mental health issues.

In terms of her relationships, Naomi Osaka has been romantically linked to rapper and music producer Cordae. The couple has been relatively private about their relationship, but their occasional public appearances together and social media posts have sparked widespread interest in their bond. Despite their high-profile careers, Naomi and Cordae seem to prioritize their personal lives and maintain a relatively low-key relationship away from the spotlight.

Naomi is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She has used her success to help others, particularly in the areas of education and social justice. In 2020, she made a donation to the Black Lives Matter movement, demonstrating her commitment to using her platform for positive change. Additionally, she has supported various charities and initiatives aimed at empowering young girls and providing them with opportunities to succeed in sports and other fields.

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Family

Naomi Osaka’s family has played a pivotal role in her development, both personally and professionally. Her mother, Tamaki Osaka, is a native of Japan, while her father, Leonard François, hails from Haiti. Naomi’s mixed heritage has been a significant aspect of her identity, and she has spoken often about how her background shaped her worldview.

Her father, Leonard, has been her coach and primary mentor throughout her tennis career. While Leonard did not have a professional tennis background, he was deeply passionate about the sport, particularly after watching the Williams sisters’ dominance in the game. Leonard’s decision to move his family to the United States in pursuit of Naomi’s tennis aspirations was a bold one, and he dedicated himself to teaching Naomi the game from an early age. His approach to coaching focused on helping Naomi develop her unique playing style, which combines power and precision. Naomi’s success is, in part, a reflection of her father’s commitment to her success.

Naomi’s older sister, Mari Osaka, also played a role in her tennis journey. While Mari pursued a professional tennis career for a short time, she eventually decided to retire from competitive tennis. Despite this, Mari’s influence on Naomi’s career was significant, and the sisters have often spoken about the close bond they share. Mari’s support for Naomi, both on and off the court, has been unwavering.

Naomi has spoken often about the support and sacrifices her family made for her to achieve her goals. Her parents’ dedication to her success has been a driving force in her career, and Naomi frequently expresses gratitude for the sacrifices they made to ensure she could pursue her dreams.

Career

Naomi Osaka’s professional tennis career began when she turned pro in October 2012 at the age of 15. Initially, she played in lower-tier ITF tournaments, gradually making a name for herself with impressive victories. It wasn’t long before she made her breakthrough in 2014, when she defeated former US Open champion Samantha Stosur at the Stanford Classic, a victory that announced her arrival on the WTA Tour.

In 2016, Naomi earned her first WTA title at the Indian Wells Open, which significantly raised her profile. However, it was her performance at the 2018 US Open that truly catapulted her into the international spotlight. At the US Open, Naomi defeated Serena Williams in a highly publicized final, winning her first Grand Slam title. This victory was historic for several reasons: it made Naomi the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title, and her win over Williams cemented her status as one of the most exciting young talents in the sport.

Naomi Osaka continued to impress the tennis world in 2019, winning her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, further solidifying her place among the sport’s elite. She went on to claim the world No. 1 ranking in singles, becoming the first Asian player to achieve this feat. Her success was driven by her powerful serve, impressive footwork, and mental toughness on the court. Osaka’s powerful baseline game and ability to hit winners from both sides of the court made her a dominant force in women’s tennis.

In 2020, Naomi added a third Grand Slam title to her collection, winning the US Open for the second time. This victory came during a particularly challenging year for the tennis world, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of tournaments and created a new set of challenges for athletes. Nevertheless, Naomi thrived during this time, proving her resilience both on and off the court.

Throughout her career, Naomi has been known for her ability to remain calm under pressure, which has contributed to her success in crucial moments. Her powerful serve, aggressive baseline play, and mental toughness have allowed her to compete at the highest levels and secure victories against some of the best players in the world.

Off the court, Naomi Osaka has become a prominent figure in the world of sports marketing, signing endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike, MasterCard, and Louis Vuitton. She has also become an advocate for social justice causes, using her platform to speak out on issues such as racial inequality, women’s rights, and mental health awareness.

Naomi Osaka’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. From a young player competing in lower-tier events to becoming one of the most dominant and influential figures in women’s tennis, Naomi’s journey is a testament to her talent, resilience, and determination. Her success on the court, combined with her efforts to use her platform for good, has made her a global icon and an inspiration to millions around the world.

Year	Achievement
2012	Turned professional at the age of 15.
2014	Defeated Samantha Stosur at the Stanford Classic, marking her WTA debut victory.
2016	Won her first WTA title at the Indian Wells Open.
2018	Won her first Grand Slam title at the US Open by defeating Serena Williams.
2019	Won the Australian Open, securing her second Grand Slam title.
2019	Achieved World No. 1 singles ranking on January 28, 2019.
2020	Won her second US Open, becoming a two-time US Open champion.
2020	Won the Australian Open for a second time, marking her third Grand Slam title.
2021	Withdrew from the French Open to focus on her mental health.
2022	Returned to competitive tennis after a short break, continuing her career.
2023	Gave birth to her daughter in July 2023, marking a personal milestone.
2025	Scheduled return to tournaments post-motherhood, with anticipation for her performance.

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Latest News

As of early 2025, Naomi Osaka began her season at the Auckland Open, reaching the final but retiring due to an abdominal injury after winning the first set against fifth-seeded Clara Tauson. This marked her first tournament appearance since giving birth to her daughter in July 2023. Her return to competitive tennis has been highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see her back in action. ​Vogue+3Wikipedia+3Vogue+3

Physical Appearance and Height

Standing at 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches), Naomi Osaka possesses a commanding presence on the court. Her athletic build complements her powerful playing style, characterized by a strong serve and aggressive baseline play. Off the court, she is often seen with her signature curly hair, exuding a blend of elegance and strength.​

Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Naomi Osaka’s estimated net worth is $45 million. She has earned substantial income through endorsements with major brands like Nike, MasterCard, and Nissan. In 2021, she became the highest-paid female athlete of all time, with earnings of $37.4 million, primarily from endorsements. Her business ventures include co-owning the North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League and investing in a professional pickleball team based in Miami. Additionally, she launched her own sports agency, Evolve, and a media company, Hana Kuma, further diversifying her income streams.

FAQs

Who is the father of Naomi Osaka’s baby?

Naomi Osaka’s daughter, Shai, was born in July 2023. The father is rapper Cordae, with whom Osaka had been in a relationship since 2019. They welcomed their daughter after a period of anticipation and joy. ​

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Are Osaka and Cordae still together?

No, Naomi Osaka and Cordae are no longer in a relationship. On January 6, 2025, Osaka announced via Instagram that they had privately broken up but emphasized that there is “no bad blood at all,” describing Cordae as “a great person and an awesome dad.” ​

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Why did Naomi Osaka take her mom’s last name?

Naomi Osaka uses her mother’s maiden name, “Osaka,” due to Japanese nationality laws. When a Japanese citizen has one non-Japanese parent, the child must take the Japanese parent’s surname. This decision facilitated easier integration and access to services in Japan

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What is Naomi Osaka diagnosed with?

Naomi Osaka has been open about her struggles with mental health, revealing that she has experienced “long bouts of depression” since her first major tournament victory at the U.S. Open in 2018. She has since sought therapy and continues to advocate for mental health awareness

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