In ELLE‘s October 2021 issue, Naomi Osaka is celebrated as a heroine who embodies the courage and kindness of Disney princesses and queens.
Since the tennis star continues to inspire people worldwide, ELLE and Disney are honoring her among 14 real-life heroes and heroines as part of Disney’s Ultimate Princess Celebration.
Posing for photographer Djeneba Aduayom, Osaka wore a sleeveless white Louis Vuitton top and the fashion house’s off-white balloon skirt featuring a contrasting floral guipure lace trim at the hemline.
“Being authentically myself is the value I most strive for,” says the 23-year-old Osaka. “I’ve never wanted to feel pressured into conforming to what other people think I should be.”
ELLE highlights Osaka’s achievements, philanthropic initiatives, and her efforts to raise awareness about mental health. The magazine also mentions how the Japanese incorporates lessons from Jasmine, Belle, Mulan, and Tiana into her daily life.
Disney princess that Osaka relates to the most is Mulan, “because she saved people rather than waiting to be saved.” The four-time Grand Slam champion also mentions that she loves Ariel — “my sister Mari and I watched The Little Mermaid millions of times growing up.”
The issue hits newsstands on September 31.
