Naomi Osaka is now a Grand Slam champion, after dominating her idol Serena Williams in the US Open final. The Japanese displayed sensational tennis and composure, even though the player at the other side of the net was the GOAT, so I thought it would be nice to share these super cute childhood photos of Osaka and refer to some quotes from the 20-year-old’s post-final interview.
During the press conference, emotional Osaka explained how she managed to hold her nerve during the final and how she felt after facing her childhood idol at the trophy presentation.
Like, when I step onto the court, I feel like a different person, right? I’m not a Serena fan. I’m just a tennis player playing another tennis player.
But then when I hugged her at the net (tearing up)…
Anyway, when I hugged her at the net, I felt like a little kid again.
Further explaining Serena’s impact on her childhood, Osaka revealed:
When I was growing up, I did a whole report on her in third grade. I colored it and everything. I said, I want to be like her (smiling).
During the presser, Naomi mentioned her tennis-playing sister Mari (pictured above) in a beautiful way. When asked if she had any special plans for spending some of her $3.8 million that the US Open title has brought her, modest Naomi answered:
Uhm, I’m not really the type that spends money on myself. For me, as long as my family’s happy, I’m happy. When I see my sister, because she’s going to Tokyo, too [Naomi’s next tournament], I think for me that’s the biggest gift.
What is the purpose of this display….is that supposed to make us feel better about her playing under the flag of Japan rather than the U.S., her home-land? I mean we have diversity, immigration, passport/green card issues we should be talking about if not her tennis play. Take a reality pill and analyze what you watched….let’s not live in Pollyanna-Land. US, if not WTA and US Open, has been gamed…..wake up and realize it. And, not because of that ridiculous race-baiter, Me-Too wannabe Serena Williams display while losing in spectacular fashion to Osaka.
Cute indeed. Adorable little Black Japanese girl with her lovely sister. What a beautiful and talented family her dad & mum produced. Dad was wise to keep his eyes on Richard Williams and pattern himself and his amazing daughter after Mr. Williams & his GOAT daughter Serena Williams. Congrats, Ms. Osaka, family, & Sascha (her coach, former Serena Williams hitting partner)!