Naomi osaka

b. 1997

Osaka, Japan

Tennis player

It seems that every generation produces an undeniable talent. And Naomi Osaka is that for Gen Z. Making her mark on and off the court, Osaka is now one of the greatest tennis players and voice for change.

Osaka is a Japanese citizen, and represents the country on the court. Following the path of the Williams sisters before her, Osaka’s career began with satellite tours, and declared as professional in 2013. In 2018 she made history as the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam title.

In 2020, Osaka made headlines for the masks she wore at the US Open. Each mask, seven of them, had the names of Black victims of police brutality. In a predominantly white sport, her decision was the main topic of conversation for the media.

ESPN: You had seven matches, seven masks, seven names. What was the message you wanted to send?

Osaka: Well, what was the message you got, is more the question. I feel like the point was to make people start talking.