Naomi Osaka has been one of the top players on the women’s tour over the past few years. She enjoyed success right from the early days of her professional tennis career. However, her biggest moment came during the US Open in 2018. The then 20-year-old Osaka defeated Serena Williams in the summit clash to win her maiden Grand Slam title.
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During the course of her career, Osaka has made many friends on the tour, like Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz. Recently, she surprised Fritz’s girlfriend, Morgan Riddle, with a surprise gift.
Naomi Osaka gifts a precious asset to Taylor Fritz’s girlfriend
Fritz’s girlfriend, Morgan Riddle, took to Instagram to share a glimpse of the new collection of Yonex racket that was gifted by Osaka. Sharing the picture of the racket, she said, “Think it’s time I learn how to play tennis now.”
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Meanwhile, Osaka also left a note in the gift which read, “I am so excited to share my newest Yonex tennis racquet with you! This one is super special to me since my sister designed it herself. It has so much meaning – Dragons for power, good luck, and strength; Spider Lilies for strength and beauty; Purple/Gold for power and ambition.”
Osaka aiming to bounce back in Cincinnati
The Japanese star hasn’t enjoyed the best of seasons on the WTA tour. In the recently concluded National Bank Open, she lost in the first round against Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi. She is currently in Cincinnati to participate in the Western and Southern Open.
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Osaka will be up against Shuai Zhang of China in the first round of the tournament. The former World Number 1 has received a tough draw in Cincinnati. She’ll potentially face the second seed, Anett Kontaveit, in the third round. It’ll be interesting to see if Osaka can find her lost mojo ahead of the US Open.