Naomi Osaka didn’t only have a great day at the office on Wednesday in Toronto but she was also able to help someone after a fellow mom asked her for some advice and the Japanese tennis star was able to help.
In her return to the National Bank Open, Osaka put up a vintage performance to storm past three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur 6-3 6-1 in just over an hour of play. Those who paid a ticket for the match probably didn’t get the battle they were expecting between two big stars but Osaka still made sure to make it a memorable experience for the crowd.
After conducting her on-court interview, 26-year-old Osaka stayed on the court for more than 20 minutes, signing autographs and taking numerous selfies with fans – which is way more time than players usually reserve for fans. And since there were many kids who were made happy by Osaka’s gesture, the four-time Grand Slam champion – who welcomed her daughter Shai last summer – she was asked about the deeper meaning behind her action.
“I mean, I think for me, representation is really important. I’ve thought that way since I was younger. I know I wouldn’t be here without my role models, Serena and Venus. Just to, I guess, blaze that path for other kids is really cool,” Osaka said.
“I was talking with someone…
