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Naomi Osaka has cemented herself as one of the vital achieved tennis gamers of her era. She made historical past by defeating now-retired tennis legend Serena Williams to win the 2018 US Open, went on to seize 4 Grand Slam titles, and have become the primary Asian participant to carry the world No. 1 rating. But even on the peak of her profession, Osaka has proven she is aware of when to prioritize her well-being.
She famously skipped out on the 2021 French Open and Wimbledon to give attention to her psychological well being. And after taking a while off to work on herself, she made a comeback because the Chief Group Well being Advocate of Fashionable Well being, an internet platform meant to advertise well-being throughout the office. “By being so clear and trustworthy, Naomi has actually helped reframe and normalize the dialog of psychological well being,” Fashionable Well being founder and CEO Alyson Watson instructed Cheddar in Might 2022.
In July 2023, Osaka stepped away from tennis for a extra joyful motive — she and then-boyfriend, rapper Cordae, welcomed their first baby, a daughter named Shai. Now, simply two years later, Osaka is again on the courtroom and thriving. She lately superior to the 2025 US Open semifinals, her first Grand Slam semifinal since turning into a mom, all whereas debuting daring, Osaka-designed Nike outfits that pay tribute to New York Metropolis with crystal elaborations and vibrant detailing.
With Naomi now balancing motherhood and a profitable comeback season, it’s the proper second to look again on the supportive dad and mom and household who helped form her journey. Discover out extra under.
Leonard Francois and Tamaki Osaka
Naomi’s father, Leonard Francois, hails from Haiti, whereas Tamaki Osaka is Japanese. They met in Japan when Tamaki was a highschool pupil and Leonard was in school, in accordance with Marie Claire. They started relationship and saved it secret for years understanding that Tamaki’s household would disapprove. Sadly, their fears have been proper: When her household realized of their romance, they didn’t communicate to her for about 5 years.
Tamaki gave start to Mari Osaka in 1996 and Naomi in 1997 whereas dwelling in Japan. They then moved to Lengthy Island, New York in 2000, the place Francois’ kinfolk have been residing on the time. They’ve since relocated to Florida, although it appears that evidently their true house is cheering on Naomi from the sidelines.
Naomi’s Father All the time Had A Plan
In accordance with Naomi’s father himself, he at all times deliberate to lift superior tennis gamers and admitted to taking his inspiration from the Williams sisters’ father, Richard Williams, Jr., who served as their tennis coach rising up. “The blueprint was already there,” Leonard instructed The New York Occasions in 2018. “I simply needed to comply with it.” Whereas Naomi continues to be within the recreation, her older sister retired in 2021.
Whereas Leonard was by no means educated in tennis, he apparently likes to provide his daughter peaceable phrases of knowledge whereas she performs. “Yeah, he’s so annoying. Oh, my God. Do you hear his on-court teaching? I can’t consider it. He runs as much as the bench speaking about, ‘Be calm.’ That’s it. He doesn’t give me any techniques. I can’t consider this. I used to be so mad,” Osaka joked in a 2019 interview, per Tennis World. On the time, she had simply stopped working together with her former coach Jermaine Jenkins.
Naomi’s Mother and father Wished Her To Have A Robust Sense Of Tradition
Naomi gave up her American citizenship so she may play tennis for Japan within the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Her sturdy identification as an Asian lady is a aim her Japanese mom had since she birthed the star. “We made the choice that Naomi would symbolize Japan at an early age,” Tamaki recalled to the Wall Road Journal in 2018. “She was born in Osaka and was introduced up in a family of Japanese and Haitian tradition. Fairly merely, Naomi and her sister Mari have at all times felt Japanese, in order that was our solely rationale. It was by no means a financially motivated resolution, nor have been we ever swayed both means by any nationwide federation.”
Naomi’s Mother Is Her No. 1 Fan
In 2021, Naomi gushed about how supportive her mother has at all times been of her tennis profession. “Rising up, I noticed my mom work extremely laborious to assist me and my ardour for play,” she instructed Folks. “She at all times put others first and inspired me to embrace my variety.
She continued on to say that she’s nonetheless studying tips on how to be a job mannequin herself, however regardless, she simply desires individuals to consider in themselves. “Each position mannequin I’ve had has impressed me to dream large. To stage up in each means. And whereas I’m nonetheless engaged on tips on how to be the most effective position mannequin I will be, I need to present them that I stick with my beliefs and love who I’m,” she defined. “Then perhaps someday it would assist them really feel assured that it’s okay to be totally different and create their very own lane – so long as they continue to be true to themselves.”
