There may be no live tennis action happening but in the last few days, Naomi Osaka has been in the news for two major reasons. The 22-year...
There may be no live tennis action happening but in the last few days, Naomi Osaka has been in the news for two major reasons.
The 22-year-old became the highest-earning female athlete in the 2020 Forbes list with a record amount. The Japanese star is also championing the ongoing protests against racism with constant social media posts, and not hesitating to even subtly call out more established players for lip service.
The first part was expected, given she has become one of the biggest sportstars especially in Japan, since her breakthrough run in 2018-19 and was the face of the Tokyo Olympics, with substantial sponsor backing.
The second seems more unconventional for the player who has often come across as painfully shy and has openly admitted that her awkwardness has held her back from pursuing what she desires.
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? By that logic if you work at IKEA you are only allowed to talk about the “GRÖNLID” 🤷🏽♀️?
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) June 4, 2020
Her marketability and activism may not be connected directly, but the fact that brand Osaka and firebrand Osaka are converging at this...
