Welcome to the Evolving Folks Project’s “Evolved Woman of the Week” profile. Each week, we will highlight an individual who embodies what it means to be an evolved person, famous and non-famous alike. The world needs to know their stories and deeds. This week’s honor goes to the world-class tennis pro, activist, and businesswoman, Naomi Osaka.
Naomi Osaka, a Japanese professional tennis player who became internationally known in the late 2010s, is now one of the world’s top athletes. She was born on October 16, 1997, in Osaka, Japan. Osaka has a multiethnic background and has lived in the United States since she was three. Her mother is Japanese, and her father is Haitian.
Osaka is considered one of the world’s most marketable athletes. In 2020, she was eighth in endorsement earnings among all athletes and set a new record for annual income by a female athlete. Beyond her achievements in tennis, Osaka is known for supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. Sports Illustrated named her a 2020 Sports Person of the Year for her activism, especially during her US Open win. Time included her in its list of the 100 most influential people in 2019, 2020, and 2021. She won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award in 2021. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she became the first tennis player to light the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony and represented Japan.
Osaka plays right-handed with a two-handed backhand, known for her powerful serve and strong baseline play. She has won four Grand Slam singles titles: the US Open in 2018 and 2020, and the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021. In January 2019, she became the first Asian World No. 1-ranked player in WTA singles. She holds several WTA Tour titles.
Off the court, Osaka is a fashion icon and public figure, also active in mental health advocacy. In 2021, she withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon due to depression and anxiety, sparking a global conversation about mental health in sports. She has been widely praised for speaking openly about these issues. Here is Osaka in her own words:
Osaka earns a high income from her tennis career and has major endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Nissan, Louis Vuitton, and Beats by Dre. She co-founded a sports agency, Evolve, with her agent, launched a skincare brand, KINLÒ, and produced content, including a Netflix documentary series. She is also known for her unique style and has appeared on the covers of top magazines worldwide.
Osaka began dating American rapper Cordae in 2019. They had a daughter on July 7, 2023. On January 6, 2025, Osaka announced their separation, saying there was “no bad blood” and calling him a “great person” and “awesome dad.”
Naomi Osaka follows many prominent women of color who excelled in tennis. She plays with poise and grace and shows wisdom beyond her years in handling the pressures of top athletes. Osaka is a trailblazer and an inspiration to many young girls worldwide. Her journey reminds us that true evolution means using one’s platform to uplift others and drive change. As the Evolved Woman of the Week, Osaka exemplifies the courage and vision needed to shape a better future. Today, we honor Naomi Osaka as our Evolved Woman of the Week.
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