Naomi Osaka says she sees herself as a friend rather than a famous person while walking in a city
Naomi Osaka became famous after claiming her first major title at the 2018 US Open which gave her ascendancy to the top of the WTA rankings.
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Naomi Osaka US Open (via X)
Naomi Osaka was a big revelation after she turned professional and quickly ascended to the Top rankings of the WTA. That has also brought great fame to the Japanese star, which she has, in turn, used to advocate for players’ mental health. She recently said that she doesn’t see herself as a famous person but rather as a friend.
The 27-year-old quickly climbed to the mountaintop of tennis after winning her first major title at the 2018 US Open at just 20 years old. She went on to win the Australian Open the following year and the US Open in 2020 before winning the Australian Open again in 2021. Osaka has celebrated seven career titles on the WTA Tour and won $22 million in prize money.
The former World No.1 withdrew from the 2023 Australian Open as she was expecting her first child. After giving birth, she returned to the sport at the start of the year but has struggled in the biggest tournament. She also ended her 2024 season in October after suffering a back injury. However, she still remains one of the most famous players on the Tour.
During a press conference at the Auckland Open, she said she doesn’t think of herself as famous, rather she thinks of herself as someone who has friends all around the world
You know what’s funny? I don’t think I’m famous. I feel like the word ‘famous,’ when I think of it, is someone who like can’t go outside… they have paparazzi everywhere. I’m the type of person where I’ll just walk outside when I’m in a city. I love walking and seeing things. I think instead of the word ‘famous’ I think of myself more as like I have friends all around the world that know me. I might not know them right away but it’s kind of like I was able to give them memories and hopefully we’ll be able to talk and interact about them.
Naomi Osaka said via Auckland Press
In September, Osaka parted ways with her long-term coach, Wim Fissette, and announced Patrick Mouratoglou as her new coach. The Japanese star is looking forward to doing better than she did last season.
Naomi Osaka opens her 2025 campaign with an excellent win at the Auckland Open
Naomi Osaka made a winning start to the 2025 season after winning her opening match at the ASB tennis classic in Auckland. The Chinese star produced some powerful strokes and forceful groundstrokes, particularly with a forehand side with aggression. The former World No. 1 looked comfortable throughout the match, despite being away for three months.
She beat qualifier Lina Glushko 6-4, 6-4 in just 85 minutes. After the victory, Osaka said that she was excited everything in the match played out in her favor.
It was good to have to, I guess, scrap a little for the first round. I just kept trying to tell myself ‘one point at a time,’ and try not to get discouraged. Thankfully, it came out in my favour at the end.
Naomi Osaka said via AP
No. 7 seed Osaka will face Austria’s Julia Grabher in the round of 16 on Tuesday (December 31). The Japanese star will be hoping to reach her first quarter-final of the 2025 season with a win over Grabher in Auckland.
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Victor Okechukwu
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