On 13th September 2020, the US Open completed with Naomi Osaka winning the Grand Slam title. Naomi beat Victoria Azarenka with a score point of 1-6, 6-3, and 6-3. The 22-year old fought back after breaking down four times during the game. Azarenka had stated that she would be winning the title, and Osaka will not be able to bounce back. It seems like Osaka was determined to win. This Grand Slam is Osaka’s fourth title. The Japanese powerhouse had excellent gameplay throughout the tournament. She said after seeing Azarenka climbing ranks and becoming 14th even after not playing for a long time, she did not expect anything from the final. The final was held in Flushing Meadows, and after Naomi Osaka’s victory, people started celebrating, and talks began about racism.

Why was this tournament special for the US Open 2020 champion?

Throughout the tournament, Osaka used to wear a mask before each match, which had different names of black Americans written on them. This was her way to support the Black Lives Matter movement. Osaka is the daughter of Leonard Francois, who was from Haiti, and Tamaki Osaka from Japan. She had mentioned before about the racist society and problems she had to go through to accept herself. She wore seven different masks, which showed she was protesting even though she could not be physically available for the protest.

Naomi is an influential sports star and is an icon for many young women. The message of Black Lives Matter did not only spread in the US but all around the world because of her. Reporters in Japan stated that they were never interested in talking about racism and never cared, but now this has to lead an opportunity to open up about the topic. Now, the Italian Open will be starting from 14th September, but Naomi will not be a part of the tournament. Osaka is now the first-ever Asian to win three Grand Slams.

All you need to know about Naomi Osaka:

After the game, she gave an interview wearing a Kobe Bryant jersey. She said that she admired him a lot, and Kobe also supported her throughout her career, motivating her. Naomi is currently ranked number 1 by the Women’s Tennis Association. Osaka had won the 2018 US Open and the 2019 Australian Open. After winning the 2020 US Open, Osaka has become an essential name in the tennis community. This tournament was difficult for Osaka as she withdrew from the previous tournament due to a hamstring injury. She has been representing Japan for the national games as well. Osaka is only 22 but has already defeated the most well-known athletes. She has also been endorsing a lot of brands and is the 29th highest-paid athlete in 2020. She earns around $34 million only through endorsements. Osaka has a long way to go and achieve in her tennis career.