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Naomi Osaka has cemented herself as one of the most accomplished tennis players of her generation. She made history by defeating now-retired tennis legend Serena Williams to win the 2018 US Open , went on to capture four Grand Slam titles, and became the first Asian player to hold the world No. ranking.
She famously skipped out on the 2021 French Open and Wimbledon to focus on her mental health. And after taking some time off to work on herself, she made a comeback as the Chief Community Health Advocate of Modern Health, an online platform meant to promote well-being within the workplace. “By being so transparent and honest, Naomi has really helped reframe and normalize the conversation of mental health,” Modern Health founder and CEO Alyson Watson told Cheddar in May 2022.
In July 2023 , Osaka stepped away from tennis for a more joyful reason — she and then-boyfriend, rapper Cordae , welcomed their first child, a daughter named Shai . Now, just two years later, Osaka is back on the court and thriving.
With Naomi now balancing motherhood and a successful comeback season, it’s the perfect moment to look back at the supportive parents and family who helped shape her journey.
Leonard Francois and Tamaki Osaka
Naomi’s father, Leonard Francois , hails from Haiti, while Tamaki Osaka is Japanese.
Tamaki gave birth to Mari Osaka in 1996 and Naomi in 1997 while living in Japan.
Naomi’s Father Always Had A Plan
According to Naomi’s father himself, he always planned to raise advanced tennis players and admitted to taking his inspiration from the Williams sisters’ father, Richard Williams Jr..
While Leonard was never trained in tennis, he apparently likes to give his daughter peaceful words of wisdom while she plays.
Naomi’s Parents Wanted Her To Have A Strong Sense Of Culture
Naomi gave up her American citizenship so she could play tennis for Japan in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Naomi’s Mom Is Her No.
In 2021 , Naomi gushed about how supportive her mom has always been of her tennis career.
She continued on to say that she’s still learning how to be a role model herself, but regardless, she just wants people to believe in themselves.
