SUMMARY
- Naomi Osaka is one of the biggest stars tennis has seen in recent times.
- Despite her parentage, Naomi uses her mother's name.
Naomi Osaka is one of the biggest stars the tennis world has seen in recent times. With four Grand Slams to her name and occupying the top spot in the WTA rankings, Osaka has reached the pinnacle of success. Despite the rapture her exploits have wrought, Naomi still lives a life of humility. She has also stayed true to her Japanese roots and honors them by still using her mother’s surname.
Naomi’s ethnicity has intrigued many for years. Born to Tamaki Osaka, a Japanese woman, and Leonard Francois, a Haitian father, the player is proud of her heritage. She represents Japan at international tournaments, even though they moved to the US when she was only three years old. This has often caused fans to wonder why.
According to Japanese law, if a child born in the country has a foreign parent, the child must take the name of their Japanese parent. This is the reason why Naomi uses her mother’s name.
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Moreover, the US did not help Naomi when it came to her training. Leonard had applied to the Tennis Association of the United States for funding. Unfortunately, the association rejected their application because she was not born in the country. This angered Leonard, who pushed his daughter to represent Japan.
Tamaki and Leonard also faced a lot of criticism for their matrimony, since Tamaki hailed from a traditional family. Her family did not approve of her marriage and shunned Tamaki. This could be another reason why her parents chose to keep Naomi’s Japanese name.
Naomi Osaka has faced challenges due to her parentage. Regardless, she is one of the best tennis players in recent times and has etched her name in history.
Naomi Osaka endured a lot of challenges owing to her parentage
The former world No. 1 has endured a lot of discrimination while growing up. Her experiences have shaped her, but she never shies away from speaking against racial prejudice.
Osaka has worked hard to make a platform for people who look like her and reside in Japan. She recalled an incident she faced as a child when one of her opponents did not think she was Japanese because she was Black.
Naomi was also very vocal during the Black Lives Matter protests in the US. Many criticized her, but she outright dismissed the idea that athletes could not participate in politics.
“I hate when random people say athletes shouldn’t get involved with politics and just entertain. Firstly, this is a human rights issue. Secondly, what gives you more right to speak than me?” she said (via The Guardian).
Naomi has always taken a bold stand against racism. She withdrew from the Cincinnati Open after the police shot an unarmed Black man in the back. Osaka was set to play in the semifinals, but she felt that there were other matters more important than tennis. She thought if her withdrawal could get more people to talk about it in a predominantly white sport, it would be a step in the right direction.
Naomi Osaka has been a champion on and off the court. She has advocated for several important issues, like mental health and discrimination. Osaka’s influence transcends the sport, and she wields it most effectively.