Naomi Osaka’s parents are Leonard Francois and Tamaki Osaka. Their story began in Japan during the 1990s when Leonard, a Haitian college student, met Tamaki, who was finishing high school. Their relationship faced cultural resistance, particularly from Tamaki’s family, which led the couple to keep their bond private for years. Eventually, they moved to Osaka, Japan, where they started their family.
Cultural Roots and Family Life
Leonard was born in Haiti, while Tamaki is Japanese. Their daughters, Mari and Naomi, were raised in a household that blended both cultures. Naomi has often spoken about the warmth and positivity she associates with her Haitian heritage and the deep appreciation she holds for Japanese traditions. This multicultural upbringing shaped her identity and influenced her decision to represent Japan in international tennis.
A Father’s Role in Tennis Training
Leonard played a pivotal role in Naomi’s tennis journey. Inspired by Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena Williams, Leonard took it upon himself to coach both Mari and Naomi. Despite having no formal background in tennis, he studied the sport diligently and moved the family to the United States to provide better training opportunities. His dedication helped Naomi rise to global prominence in the sport.
Family Support and Identity
Tamaki and Leonard have remained supportive throughout Naomi’s career. Their decision to give Naomi and Mari their mother’s surname was influenced by the social dynamics in Japan, aiming to ease their daughters’ experiences in a racially homogenous society. Naomi has spoken openly about her multifaceted identity, embracing her Haitian, Japanese, and American influences.
Legacy of Love and Determination
Through cultural challenges and personal sacrifices, Leonard and Tamaki Osaka nurtured a household that valued resilience, discipline, and pride in heritage. Their influence is evident not only in Naomi’s athletic achievements but also in her strong sense of self and global impact.
Osaka at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2025
Ranked no.24, the Japanese owns an overall 32-12 record in 2025. Osaka is now competing at the U.S. Open where she beat the world no.106 Greetje Minnen 6-3 6-4, the world no.47 Hailey Baptiste 6-3 6-1, the world no.18 Daria Kasatkina 6-0 4-6 6-3, the world no.3 Cori Gauff 6-3 6-2 and the world no.13 Karolina Muchova 6-4 7-6(3).
Naomi Osaka will play the world no.9 Amanda Anisimova in the semifinal on Thursday at 9:00 pm on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Their head to head is 2-0 for Anisimova.
Naomi has won 1 title in 2025 in the Malo. The Japanese was the finalist in Auckland (ASB Classic) and in Montreal (Omnium Banque Nationale).
Naomi won 7 titles in her career: all of them conquered on hard courts. (See the list of her titles)