Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has always been vocal about her admiration for tennis legend Serena Williams. In an interview, she had confessed, “She changed the sport so much. She’s introduced people that have never heard of tennis into the sport. I think I’m a product of what she’s done.” However, it’s not just Serena who has inspired Osaka. The young tennis sensation also looks up to Venus Williams, the seven-time Grand Slam champion and Serena’s older sister.
Recently, Venus Williams made a remarkable comeback at the WTA Dubai Tennis Championships, where she reached the semi-finals after defeating some of the top players in the world. Her performance has left everyone in awe, including Naomi Osaka. In a recent interview, Osaka expressed her admiration for Venus and hailed her as the ‘Queen’ of the tennis world.
Osaka, who is known for her powerful groundstrokes and mental strength, has always been inspired by the Williams sisters. Growing up, she watched them dominate the tennis world and break barriers for women of color in the sport. In fact, Osaka’s father, who is Haitian, has often spoken about how he wanted his daughters to follow in the footsteps of the Williams sisters and become champions in the sport.
For Osaka, Venus Williams has always been a role model. She has been inspired by her resilience, determination, and grace on and off the court. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Venus has always managed to come back stronger and prove her critics wrong. And her recent performance at the Dubai Tennis Championships is a testament to her unwavering spirit and love for the sport.
In the interview, Osaka spoke about how she has always looked up to Venus and how her comeback has left a ‘royal air’ around the tennis world. She said, “Venus is a true queen of the sport. Her comeback has been nothing short of regal. She has shown that age is just a number and that anything is possible if you have the passion and determination to succeed.”
Osaka also expressed her admiration for Venus’ style of play and how she has influenced her own game. She said, “Venus’ style of play is unique and powerful. She has always been known for her aggressive game and her ability to dominate her opponents. As a player, I have always tried to emulate her style and incorporate it into my own game.”
Apart from her on-court achievements, Venus Williams has also been a role model for her off-court endeavors. She has been a vocal advocate for equal pay and opportunities for women in sports. She has also been involved in various philanthropic activities and has used her platform to raise awareness about important social issues.
Osaka, who is also known for her activism and social awareness, has often spoken about how she wants to use her platform to bring about positive change in the world. In the interview, she mentioned how Venus’ off-court contributions have inspired her to do the same. She said, “Venus has always been a trailblazer, both on and off the court. She has used her platform to bring about positive change in the world, and that is something that I admire and aspire to do as well.”
As the tennis world continues to witness the dominance of the younger generation, Venus Williams’ comeback has been a breath of fresh air. Her performance has not only inspired her fans but has also earned her the respect and admiration of her fellow players, including Naomi Osaka.
In conclusion, Naomi Osaka’s admiration for Venus Williams is a testament to the impact the Williams sisters have had on the sport of tennis. Their resilience, determination, and grace have inspired a whole generation of players, and their legacy will continue to live on for years to come. As Osaka rightly said, “There’s a royal air around here” when it comes to Venus Williams, and she will always be the queen of the tennis world.
