This Winner Has People Talking About Social Justice

On September 12th, Naomi Osaka, representing Japan, won the U.S. Open against Victoria Azarenka, representing Belarus, at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York. Naomi Osaka is ranked 3rd in the world for women’s tennis as of September 14th, 2020, but was ranked #1 in women’s tennis after her 2018 Grand Slam win. This is the second win for the 22 year old. 

This year’s win also made history with regard to social justice. At this year’s U.S. Open Naomi chose to wear seven different  masks with the names of seven different unarmed African Americans who were murdered. When asked what message she was trying to convey with her masks?  Naomi responded “ What was the message that you got is more the question,” “The point is to make people start talking.” 

Naomi is the first Asian tennis player to hold the world’s #1 rank. 

Naomi is known as a pioneer. She is the first woman ever from Japan to win a Grand Slam. Naomi Osaka’s father is Haitian and her mother is Japanese. Naomi was born in Japan but lived in the United States since 3 years old. Her parents decided that Naomi and her sister Mari would represent Japan in international competitions due to their cultural ties to Japan. This decision has paid off. Naomi is according to Forbes the highest paid female athlete in the world. 

Here is a quote from Naomi Osaka:

“I don’t think you can win a Grand Slam and not be confident in yourself.”

Be Amazing! 🍋