About
Naomi Osaka is a Japanese professional tennis player known for her powerful game and advocacy on social issues. She achieved the world No. 1 ranking in women's singles in January 2019, becoming the first Asian player to reach the top spot. Osaka has won seven career singles titles, including four Grand Slam titles: two Australian Opens and two US Opens. She is also the first Japanese player to win a major singles title, marking a significant milestone for Japanese tennis.
Career Timeline
First WTA Title
Osaka won her first WTA title in Indian Wells, signaling her arrival as a promising young player. The victory brought her initial recognition and modest prize money, establishing her as a player to watch.
US Open Breakthrough
Osaka defeated Serena Williams to win her first Grand Slam at the US Open, though the match was overshadowed by controversy. The victory launched her to stardom and brought lucrative endorsement opportunities, particularly in Japan.
Australian Open and World No. 1
Osaka won the Australian Open and became the first Asian player to reach world No. 1 in singles. Her back-to-back Grand Slams made her a global superstar and the highest-earning female athlete, with deals from Nike, Nissan, and others.
US Open Victory and Activism
Osaka won her second US Open title while wearing masks bearing names of victims of racial injustice, becoming a prominent activist. Her off-court impact matched her tennis success, earning her Time's 100 Most Influential People recognition.
Australian Open and Mental Health
After winning her fourth Grand Slam at the Australian Open, Osaka withdrew from the French Open citing mental health concerns, sparking global conversation. Her transparency made her a mental health advocate but marked the beginning of her competitive decline.
Ranking Drop and Injuries
Osaka's ranking fell outside the top 40 as injuries and inconsistent results plagued her season. Despite on-court struggles, she remained the highest-paid female athlete due to endorsements, earning over $50 million primarily off the court.
Maternity Break
Osaka announced her pregnancy and took a break from tennis, giving birth to her daughter. While stepping away from competition, she maintained major endorsement deals and launched new business ventures.
Return to Competition
Osaka returned to professional tennis after maternity leave, facing challenges regaining her form and ranking. Her comeback was watched closely but results remained inconsistent, though her brand value remained strong.
Respected Former Champion
Osaka maintains B-tier status as a four-time Grand Slam champion and cultural icon, though her competitive peak has passed. Her influence extends beyond tennis through activism and business ventures, keeping her relevant despite not competing at her former elite level.
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Last updated: February 23, 2026