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Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka is a Japanese professional tennis player and former world No.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Naomi Osaka is a Japanese professional tennis player and former world No. 1 in women’s singles. She has won four Grand Slam singles titles and became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title. Osaka is also known for her advocacy on mental health and social justice issues.

Early life

Naomi Osaka was born in Osaka, Japan, to a Japanese mother and Haitian father. She moved to the United States as a child and grew up primarily in New York and Florida.

Professional career

Osaka turned professional in 2013 and rose to prominence in 2018 after winning the Indian Wells Open and the US Open. She later added more major titles and reached world No. 1 in 2019.

Grand Slam success

Osaka won the US Open in 2018 and 2020 and the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021. These results established her as one of the most successful active players of her era.

Public profile and advocacy

Beyond tennis, Osaka has been known for speaking about mental health and racial justice. Her visibility has made her a prominent sports figure in Japan and internationally.

Key facts

  • Osaka won her first Grand Slam singles title at the 2018 US Open.
  • She became the first Asian player to reach world No. 1 in women’s singles.
  • Her Grand Slam titles include the US Open and Australian Open.
  • She has been widely associated with mental health advocacy and social justice activism.
  • Osaka was born in Japan and raised primarily in the United States.
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Canadian context

Naomi Osaka has competed in major WTA events in Canada, including the Canadian Open, making her a frequent figure of interest to Canadian tennis audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Naomi Osaka?
Naomi Osaka is a Japanese professional tennis player best known for winning four Grand Slam singles titles and reaching world No. 1.
How many Grand Slam titles has Naomi Osaka won?
She has won four Grand Slam singles titles.
What country does Naomi Osaka represent?
Osaka represents Japan in tennis.
When was Naomi Osaka born?
She was born on October 16, 1997.
What is Naomi Osaka known for off the court?
She is known for advocacy related to mental health and social justice issues.

References

  1. WTA — https://www.wtatennis.com/players/319998/naomi-osaka
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, and player profile details.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Naomi-Osaka
    Supports: Biographical overview, first Asian world No. 1, and first Japanese Grand Slam singles champion.
  3. Olympics.com — https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/naomi-osaka
    Supports: Family background, upbringing in the United States, and Olympic participation.
  4. Roland-Garros — https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/players/30764-n.osaka
    Supports: Grand Slam history and first Japanese Grand Slam singles title.
  5. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/tennis/player/_/id/2789/naomi-osaka
    Supports: Turned pro date, playing hand, and player profile information.