Tag: Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka shares ‘the coolest thing’ she hopes to achieve in her career

After her fourth Grand Slam title, Naomi Osaka reflected on her big-picture career goals.

After a close first set in the Australian Open final, Naomi Osaka cruised to her second Aussie Open title and her fourth overall Grand Slam victory, beating Jennifer Brady, 6-4, 6-3, on Saturday.

Ranked No. 3 in the world, Osaka is now 4-0 in major finals and became the first woman to win her first four Grand Slam finals since Monica Seles 30 years ago, the Associated Press noted.

At just 23 years old, it sure seems like Osaka is the future of tennis. And while she’s still early in her career, it’s impossible not to imagine where she could end up in the history books and what records she could set.

The same goes for how she could continue to impact the sport.

Following Osaka’s win over world No. 24 Brady, she was asked during her post-match press conference about the biggest thing she hopes to achieve on or off the court that she hasn’t done yet. Her answer was something she’s also familiar with herself.

Osaka said:

“I feel like the biggest thing I want to achieve is — this is gonna sound really odd — hopefully I play long enough to play a girl that said that I was once her favorite player or something.

“For me, I think that’s the coolest thing that could ever happen to me. I think I have those feelings of watching my favorite players. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to play Li Na, but yeah, I just think that that’s how the sport moves forward.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idmw9aWm3K8

While Osaka is disappointed she never got to play against Li — the two-time Grand Slam champ, including at the Australian Open, who retired in 2014 — she’s played several matches against her “idol,” Serena Williams. Most recently, Osaka topped Williams in the Aussie Open semifinals Wednesday and had to beat her in the 2018 U.S. Open final on her way to her first Grand Slam title.

Prior to that 2018 final, Osaka said she should view Williams as just another opponent and not her idol. But when she was asked if she had a message for Serena going into the match, Osaka laughed while saying: “I love you.”

Between how young Osaka is now as one of the best players in the world and how long some players’ careers are lasting, tennis fans surely hope Osaka will someday get the chance to face an opponent who once idolized her.

https://youtu.be/e2ocoIZSIyY

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Naomi Osaka had a hilarious moment with Jennifer Brady during her victory speech

This was incredible

Naomi Osaka is one of the best tennis players in the world at just 23 years old.

She won her fourth Grand Slam on Saturday morning at the Australian Open after beating her opponent, Jennifer Brady, in straight sets. She completely dominated on her way to her title.

But that didn’t stop her from being her usual charming self during her victory speech. She took the time out to praise Brady for her growth and how hard she competed in the final, but it didn’t come without a hilarious moment.

During her speech, she asked Brady whether she liked to be called “Jenny or Jennifer” to which Brady responded “Jenny.”

So what does Osaka do? She accidentally calls her Jennifer. It was hilarious.

And yet, still, the praise she gave her overshadowed that slip up.

“Firstly, I want to congratulate Jennifer. We played in the semis of the US Open, so a couple of months ago I told everyone that would listen that you’re going to be a problem. And I was right.” 

She’s the ultimate competitor and the ultimate sportswoman. You can’t help but be a fan of Naomi Osaka.

https://youtu.be/e2ocoIZSIyY

Naomi Osaka hilariously calls out her sister with post-Australian Open win message

LOL what?!

I am a huge fan of the “writing a message on the glass in front of the camera” tradition after tennis matches (see what Jessica Pegula has done with them).

So I fully expected Naomi Osaka to say something to her fans after a straight-sets win over Serena Williams in the 2021 Australian Open semi-finals. But nope! She wrote this: “Mari stop sending [weird] images in the groupchat!”

That’s a message to her sister Mari, who I guess has been sending weird images in a groupchat with Naomi and others. That’s a pretty funny public callout right there!

Here’s the moment:

And here’s what appears to be Mari’s answer on Instagram (and WARNING: it’s weird!!!!)

GAHHHHH! I agree with Naomi.

[jwplayer YcRn3gJF-q2aasYxh]

 

Naomi Osaka stuns in her ‘Vogue’ cover debut

The tennis star is being lauded not just for her athletic achievements but also her political activism.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka ended 2020 with another well deserved flex—by becoming a Vogue cover girl.

The reigning U.S. Open champ is one of four cover stars gracing the magazine’s January issue and is being lauded not just for her athletic achievements but also her political activism.

Earlier this year, during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, Osaka used her platform to amplify calls for racial and social justice. She was active on social media, boycotted a tennis tournament and marched against police brutality.

Most notably, the tennis star put the names of Black victims of police violence front and center during her matches. As she walked out onto the court at the U.S. Open, Osaka wore masks honoring Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, George Floyd and Philando Castile.

It was the most visible expression of her activism, which she told Vogue has been brewing throughout the year.

“I consider myself Japanese-Haitian-American. I always grew up with a little bit more Japanese heritage and culture, but I’m Black, and I live in America, and I personally didn’t think it was too far-fetched when I started talking about things that were happening here. There are things going on here that really scare me.”

Osaka, who was photographed by Annie Leibovitz, joins Black female athletes like Simone Biles and Serena Williams as a Vogue cover star.

‘Sports Illustrated’ Names 2020 Sportsperson of the Year: ‘The Activist Athlete’

‘Sports Illustrated’ Names
2020 Sportsperson of the Year:
‘The Activist Athlete’.
‘Sports Illustrated’ has announced
multiple prominent athletes as honorees for their
2020 Sportsperson of the Year. .
The honorees are
LeBron James, Breanna
Stewart, Patrick Mahomes,
Naomi Osaka and Laurent
Duvernay-Tardif. .
In an announcement for the honor, ‘SI’ said 2020
was the year of “The Activist Athlete.”.
If there is brightness in this dark year, it’s the
leadership — and sorely needed optimism —
shown by some of the nation’s top athletes
in facing down our many challenges, ‘Sports Illustrated,’ via statement .
James led the Lakers to the NBA title and worked
“tirelessly” to end voter suppression and ensure
“equal access to the polls.”.
Stewart led her team to
a WNBA title and “spoke
loudly” for women’s equality
and against racism.
Mahomes, who was named Super Bowl MVP, used his
platform to “push” the NFL to recognize the
Black Lives Matter movement. .
U.S. Open tennis champion Osaka “found her
voice” and fought against social injustice. .
Duvernay-Tardif opted out of the 2020 NFL season to return
to serve as a doctor on the front lines against COVID-19. .
Our Sportspersons of the Year set an
example of how to face and one day fix
[the issues and challenges of 2020].
With principle. With passion. And with
an athlete’s optimism—the belief that no
matter the obstacles, better days are ahead. , ‘Sports Illustrated,’ via statement

‘Sports Illustrated’ Names
2020 Sportsperson of the Year:
‘The Activist Athlete’.
‘Sports Illustrated’ has announced
multiple prominent athletes as honorees for their
2020 Sportsperson of the Year. .
The honorees are
LeBron James, Breanna
Stewart, Patrick Mahomes,
Naomi Osaka and Laurent
Duvernay-Tardif. .
In an announcement for the honor, ‘SI’ said 2020
was the year of “The Activist Athlete.”.
If there is brightness in this dark year, it’s the
leadership — and sorely needed optimism —
shown by some of the nation’s top athletes
in facing down our many challenges, ‘Sports Illustrated,’ via statement .
James led the Lakers to the NBA title and worked
“tirelessly” to end voter suppression and ensure
“equal access to the polls.”.
Stewart led her team to
a WNBA title and “spoke
loudly” for women’s equality
and against racism.
Mahomes, who was named Super Bowl MVP, used his
platform to “push” the NFL to recognize the
Black Lives Matter movement. .
U.S. Open tennis champion Osaka “found her
voice” and fought against social injustice. .
Duvernay-Tardif opted out of the 2020 NFL season to return
to serve as a doctor on the front lines against COVID-19. .
Our Sportspersons of the Year set an
example of how to face and one day fix
[the issues and challenges of 2020].
With principle. With passion. And with
an athlete’s optimism—the belief that no
matter the obstacles, better days are ahead. , ‘Sports Illustrated,’ via statement

‘Sports Illustrated’ Names 2020 Sportsperson of the Year: ‘The Activist Athlete’

‘Sports Illustrated’ Names
2020 Sportsperson of the Year:
‘The Activist Athlete’.
‘Sports Illustrated’ has announced
multiple prominent athletes as honorees for their
2020 Sportsperson of the Year. .
The honorees are
LeBron James, Breanna
Stewart, Patrick Mahomes,
Naomi Osaka and Laurent
Duvernay-Tardif. .
In an announcement for the honor, ‘SI’ said 2020
was the year of “The Activist Athlete.”.
If there is brightness in this dark year, it’s the
leadership — and sorely needed optimism —
shown by some of the nation’s top athletes
in facing down our many challenges, ‘Sports Illustrated,’ via statement .
James led the Lakers to the NBA title and worked
“tirelessly” to end voter suppression and ensure
“equal access to the polls.”.
Stewart led her team to
a WNBA title and “spoke
loudly” for women’s equality
and against racism.
Mahomes, who was named Super Bowl MVP, used his
platform to “push” the NFL to recognize the
Black Lives Matter movement. .
U.S. Open tennis champion Osaka “found her
voice” and fought against social injustice. .
Duvernay-Tardif opted out of the 2020 NFL season to return
to serve as a doctor on the front lines against COVID-19. .
Our Sportspersons of the Year set an
example of how to face and one day fix
[the issues and challenges of 2020].
With principle. With passion. And with
an athlete’s optimism—the belief that no
matter the obstacles, better days are ahead. , ‘Sports Illustrated,’ via statement

‘Sports Illustrated’ Names
2020 Sportsperson of the Year:
‘The Activist Athlete’.
‘Sports Illustrated’ has announced
multiple prominent athletes as honorees for their
2020 Sportsperson of the Year. .
The honorees are
LeBron James, Breanna
Stewart, Patrick Mahomes,
Naomi Osaka and Laurent
Duvernay-Tardif. .
In an announcement for the honor, ‘SI’ said 2020
was the year of “The Activist Athlete.”.
If there is brightness in this dark year, it’s the
leadership — and sorely needed optimism —
shown by some of the nation’s top athletes
in facing down our many challenges, ‘Sports Illustrated,’ via statement .
James led the Lakers to the NBA title and worked
“tirelessly” to end voter suppression and ensure
“equal access to the polls.”.
Stewart led her team to
a WNBA title and “spoke
loudly” for women’s equality
and against racism.
Mahomes, who was named Super Bowl MVP, used his
platform to “push” the NFL to recognize the
Black Lives Matter movement. .
U.S. Open tennis champion Osaka “found her
voice” and fought against social injustice. .
Duvernay-Tardif opted out of the 2020 NFL season to return
to serve as a doctor on the front lines against COVID-19. .
Our Sportspersons of the Year set an
example of how to face and one day fix
[the issues and challenges of 2020].
With principle. With passion. And with
an athlete’s optimism—the belief that no
matter the obstacles, better days are ahead. , ‘Sports Illustrated,’ via statement

LeBron James named a Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the year as an ‘activist athlete’

The Los Angeles Lakers star player was one of several athletes named as the Sportsperson of the Year for being ‘activist athletes.’

[jwplayer KvnjqxEm-z6KDnl0B]

The Los Angeles Lakers have been back in the gym as players finally began full-speed team workouts on Sunday.

Before the weekend, the Lakers brought back Quinn Cook, a key member of their team chemistry. On the same day the Lakers began team workouts, their star player was honored as one of the sportsworld’s people of the year.

Sports Illustrated announced its Sportsperson of the Year on Sunday, which focused on a type of athlete: The Activist Athlete. James was honored along with others, such as Breanna Stewart, Patrick Mahomes, Naomi Osaka and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif.

James, of course, has long been an activist in his sport, but he carried out his efforts this past season while winning his fourth NBA championship. James started a non-profit called “More Than A Vote” this past year to help make it easier for citizens, particularly Black citizens, to exercise their right to vote.

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La poderosa respuesta de Naomi Osaka para la gente que le ha dicho que deje la política fuera de los deportes

Naomi Osaka comunicó un mensaje claro a lo largo de su participación en el U.S. Open en Nueva York: Black Lives Matter. Antes de su primer partido y en todo su recorrido hasta la victoria del campeonato contra Victoria Azarenka, Osaka salió a la …

Naomi Osaka comunicó un mensaje claro a lo largo de su participación en el U.S. Open en Nueva York: Black Lives Matter.

Antes de su primer partido y en todo su recorrido hasta la victoria del campeonato contra Victoria Azarenka, Osaka salió a la cancha usando cubrebocas personalizados con el nombre de distintas personas negras fallecidas a causa de la violencia policiaca. Usó cubrebocas con los nombres de Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, Philando Castile y Tamir Rice.

Este gesto fue una protesta y un acto de solidaridad, algo por lo que enfrentó varias críticas en redes sociales. El martes, Osaka se dirigió a estos detractores con esa energía y firmeza que la caracterizan.

En su cuenta de Twitter, Osaka escribió: “Todas las personas que me estuvieron diciendo que “dejara la política fuera de los deportes” (que no fue para nada político), realmente me inspiraron a ganar. Más vale que sepan que voy a tratar de estar en la pantalla de su tv tanto tiempo como sea posible”.

A veces, el activismo de los atletas es percibido como una distracción de su deporte. Muchos alegan que la presión emocional adicional de luchar por algo más grande que ellos divide su atención y debilita su rendimiento en la cancha. Sin embargo, el mensaje de Osaka parece ser exactamente el contrario. En vez de haberse desmoronado frente a los haters o distraído con su activismo, canalizó todo eso para alcanzar la victoria.

Traducción: Quisiera agradecer a mis ancestros porque cada vez que recuerdo que su sangre corre por mis venas, es un recordatorio de que no puedo perder.

Osaka, de padre haitiano y madre japonesa, ha estado particularmente activa en la lucha contra el racismo, no solamente en las redes sociales sino también en sus entrevistas post partidos. Tras su victoria sobre Azarenka, le preguntaron a Osaka qué mensaje estaba tratando de enviar con sus cubrebocas. Sin titubeo alguno, Osaka redirigió la pregunta al público:

“¿Cuál fue el mensaje que ustedes recibieron?”, dijo. “¿No sería esa la pregunta? Creo que el punto es hacer que la gente comience a hablar”.

Osaka no ha detenido ni por un instante su activismo, y en vez de afectar su atención, esto únicamente ha dejado aún más claro la extraordinaria atleta y persona que es.

Artículo traducido por Gabriela Enríquez

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LeBron James shouts out Naomi Osaka for U.S. Open Final victory

LeBron James was hyped after the victory of in the U.S. Open Women’s Final against Victoria Azarenka.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was enjoying some tennis earlier this weekend before he and his squad took care of business in their Game 5, series-ending victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday evening. In particular, James gave a shout out to young tennis star Naomi Osaka, for winning the final of the U.S. Open and winning her second straight U.S. Open Final at the age of 22.

Osaka also has been involved with LeBron’s UNINTERRUPTED in trying to use her platform to call attention to racial violence from police. Osaka wore masks with the names of police brutality and when the NBA went on strike a few weeks ago, she pulled out of a warm-up tournament before the Open.

Osaka is a star and was even repping the Lakers during her run to the U.S. Open title, wearing the special Kobe Bryant/Black Mamba jerseys released by Nike a few weeks ago, which the Lakers have worn a couple of times.

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2020 U.S. Open Men’s Final, Dominic Thiem vs. Alexander Zverev Live Stream U.S. Open Tennis Schedule, Odds, TV Channel, Start Time

The 2020 U.S. Open, Men’s Final is live from the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, NY.

The 2020 U.S. Open Men’s Final will take place on Saturday afternoon from the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, NY.  This is only the second major to take place in 2020 and this normally being New York City’s Grand Slam will also be the final major of the year.

Some of the biggest names in tennis will miss the tournament this time around including both the men’s and women’s singles champions from 2019, Rafael Nadal and Bianca Andreescu have withdrawn. Roger Federer will also miss the tournament due to knee surgery.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know to follow the U.S. Open including the upcoming schedule.

US Open, Men’s Final

Dominic Thiem vs. Alexander Zverev

  • When: Sunday, September 13
  • Live Coverage: 4:00 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: ESPN, ESPN Deportes
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

US Open 2020 schedule

Men’s Final

  • Sunday, Sept. 13, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

US Open Odds and Betting Lines

US Open odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. 

Want some action on the US Open? Place your legal sports bets on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ, and WV at BetMGM. 

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