Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka was born on October 16, 1997, in Osaka, Japan, to a Japanese mother and a Haitian-French father. Her family relocated to the United States when she was 3 years old, and she was largely raised in Florida. She and her older sister Mari were both trained in tennis by their father, who was inspired by the Williams sisters after watching them compete. Naomi turned professional at 15 and rapidly ascended the rankings. Her stunning upset of Serena Williams in the 2018 US Open final — her first Grand Slam victory — announced her arrival as one of tennis's elite. She went on to win four Grand Slam titles in total. In 2021, she withdrew from the French Open, citing depression and anxiety, which ignited a worldwide conversation about mental health and athletes' rights to prioritize wellbeing. She gave birth to her son Shai in January 2024 with her partner, rapper Cordae.

Naomi Osaka has become one of the most impactful figures in tennis and global sports culture. Her four Grand Slam victories are remarkable achievements, but her legacy extends beyond results. Her decision to prioritize mental health — and her vulnerability in speaking publicly about depression — has changed the conversation around athlete wellbeing and inspired millions worldwide. She was the highest-paid female athlete in history in 2020, breaking barriers for women in sports marketing.