Naomi Osaka has always stated that she admires what Serena Williams has been doing for her entire career to help women and the community of color. The Japanese sensation has all the intention of following Serena Williams’ example.
The world number 2 announced that she will help girls and women in Los Angeles and in Haiti in collaboration with Nike. Naomi has already launched Play Academy in Japan with the intention of helping to change young girls’ lives through play and sport. Play Academy will expand its operations to Los Angeles and Haiti.
Nike explained in a communication how it is going to collaborate with Naomi and the other partners with the following statement:
“In Los Angeles, Play Academy will partner with organizations that support young girls’ participation in play and sport, especially those from Black, Asian and Latino communities. The Expression of Interest from organizations is now open. The first group of partners will be announced later this summer.
In Haiti, Play Academy is partnering with GOALS Haiti, a grassroots organization working to advance youth leadership through soccer and education to create stronger, healthier communities in rural Haiti.”
Naomi released the following statement in a recent post on Instagram:
“Hey LA, it’s time to level the playing field. With the support of @Nike and @laureussport , we’re officially launching the next chapter of Play Academy with Naomi Osaka. Join me in creating more opportunities for girls in Los Angeles to access and benefit from play and sport. If you’re an organization, or know of one, that’s passionate about empowering girls through sport, apply for a grant at the link in my bio.”
Naomi Osaka has a strong connection with Haiti that is his father’s country. She visited the country last year after she conquered the US Open.
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Naomi Osaka in 2021
Now the world no.2, Osaka played her last match on the 2nd of May when she lost to world no.20 Karolina Muchova 6-4 3-6 6-1 in the 2nd round in Madrid (draw).
This season Naomi has managed to achieve a composed 13-2 match record. The Japanese clinched 1 title at the Australian Open.
Serena Williams in 2021
Currently the world no.8, the American played her last match on the 18th of February when she lost to world no.2 Naomi Osaka 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal of the Australian Open (draw).
Currently, during this year the American owns a 8-1 match record. Serena Williams’s most significant result of the present season was reaching the semifinal in Melbourne and at the Australian Open.
Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams fought against each other 4 times. Their head to head is 3-1 for Osaka. The last time they played, Naomi Osaka won 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in Melbourne (Australian Open) on the 18th of February 2021.
In the following video you can watch the key moments of their match.
