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Naomi Osaka’s Family: A Look at the Support System Behind the Tennis Star
As Naomi Osaka competes on the world’s biggest tennis stages, including a possible run at the U.S. open semifinals,her family remains a cornerstone of her life and career. This year marks a special occasion, as it might very well be the first time her daughter, Shai, attends one of her matches, adding a new dimension to the support system that has always been integral to Osaka’s success. The journey to stardom wasn’t without its challenges, and Osaka often credits her parents’ sacrifices and unwavering belief in her for her achievements.
Tamaki Osaka: The Mother’s Strength and Sacrifice
Naomi Osaka’s mother, Tamaki Osaka, hails from Nemuro, Hokkaido, Japan. Her story is one of remarkable resilience and dedication. Tamaki worked tirelessly in New York’s import and export industry, often facing financial hardship, even to the point of occasionally sleeping in her car, to provide opportunities for Naomi and her sister, Mari, to pursue their tennis dreams.
“Growing up, I’ve always seen her being so self-reliant and so strong, but now that I’m thinking about it, she must have been really worried all the time,” Naomi Osaka reflected in a 2023 interview. Her mother’s dedication instilled in Naomi a strong work ethic and a desire to alleviate her mother’s burdens. According to a 2023 report by Forbes, the global sports market is valued at over $624 billion, highlighting the competitive landscape in which osaka thrives, fueled by her mother’s early sacrifices.
Tamaki’s decision to have Naomi represent Japan internationally was a deliberate one, rooted in a deep connection to her heritage.”We made the decision that Naomi would represent Japan at an early age,” Tamaki explained. “She was born in Osaka and was brought up in a household of Japanese and Haitian culture. Quite simply,Naomi and her sister,Mari,have always felt Japanese so that was our only rationale. It was never a financially motivated decision nor were we ever swayed either way by any national federation.”
Leonard François: The Coach and Guiding Force
Naomi’s father, Leonard François, originally from Jacmel, Haiti, played a pivotal role in her progress as a tennis player. Inspired by the success of Venus and Serena Williams and their father, Richard Williams, Leonard took on the role of coach, instilling in his daughters a rigorous training regimen and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He approached coaching with the belief that a proven path already existed, stating, “The blueprint was already there. I just had to follow it.”
In a recent Instagram post, Naomi shared a profound conversation with her father, revealing his perspective on life and career. “Recently I had a talk with my dad,” she wrote. “It wasn’t a short talk but during that conversation something he said really stuck with me. He had told me how at 59 years old he feels closer to the end of his life then the beginning and its made him want to enjoy and treasure the years he has left. He told me he thinks my tennis career is possibly similar.”
Here’s a snapshot of the Osaka family’s background:
| Family Member | Origin | Role/Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| naomi Osaka | Osaka, Japan / Haiti | Professional Tennis player |
| Tamaki Osaka | Nemuro, Hokkaido, Japan | Mother, unwavering supporter |
| Leonard François | Jacmel, Haiti | Father, former coach |
| Mari Osaka | Osaka, Japan / Haiti | Sister, artist and designer |
| Shai Osaka | USA | Daughter |
Mari Osaka: From Tennis to Artistic Pursuits
Naomi’s older sister, Mari Osaka, also pursued a professional tennis career, albeit a shorter one. She retired from professional tennis in 2021 and has since focused on her passion for art and design. Mari demonstrated her creative talent through a unique collaboration with Naomi and Louis Vuitton, co-designing Naomi’s stunning look for the 2021 Met Gala.
“Working alongside my sister and an iconic designer like Nicholas Ghesquière was inspiring,” Mari shared with Vogue.”The design we ended up creating speaks to our biracial heritage and in that, I believe it really celebrates who we all are and how we all play a role in the American Dream.It’s a festivity of cultures, like America itself, a melting pot of so many special and unique elements.”
Shai Osaka: The Newest Addition
In July 2023,
