Naomi Osaka has just conquered her 3rd slams after beating Vika Azarenka in the US Open final. The Japanese sensation had an inspiring 3 weeks not only because she reached the final of the Western & Southern Open before conquering the American slam, but also for her strong messages in support of the black community.
Naomi refused to play the semifinal of the Western & Southern Open following the shooting of Jacob Blake to force the ATP and WTA to postpone the semifinals of 1 day. At the US Open, she carried a different face mask for every match she played with the names of people of color killed for racism.
How Osaka’s boyfriend YBN Cordae inspired Naomi
The Japanese no.1 has been dating American rapper YBN Corday for almost 1 year and a half. The singer is extremely active in defending the rights of the people of color and he was once even arrested when protesting against the murder of Breonna Taylor.
Naomi also used to have the blessing of receiving the constant support of basketball legend Kobe Bryant that tragically died in January this year in a helicopter crash. Osaka was so close to Kobe that she used to call him her ‘big bro.’
After the trophy ceremony, Naomi got a proud picture with her boyfriend and the jersey of Kobe. The picture was great, but not sure about that middle finger…
🏆🥇🏆🥇 pic.twitter.com/N13XC34D8K
— Cordae' (@cordae) September 13, 2020
I wore this jersey every day after my matches. I truly think it gave me strength. Always 💛💜 pic.twitter.com/R1pTUCaCgq
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) September 13, 2020
Naomi Osaka in 2020
Currently ranked no.9, the Japanese played her last match on the 12th of September when she overcame Victoria Azarenka 1-6 6-3 6-3 in the final of the U.S. Open to win her 6th career title.
During this season the Japanese has a 16-3 win-loss record. The Japanese has won 1 title at the U.S. Open. Naomi was the runner-up in New York.
