via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 23: Naomi Osaka of Japan speaks during media day prior to the the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 23, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 23: Naomi Osaka of Japan speaks during media day prior to the the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 23, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Naomi Osaka has announced her collaboration with Yonex Tennis and Takashi Murakami to launch her new racquet. The new racquet, Yonex EZONE involves a Japanese form of artwork by Takashi Murakami. He has given a cute touch to the racquet as well as the kitbag that Osaka uses.
Takashi Murakami is a Japanese artist who is involved in both fine arts and commercial media. Osaka labeled the collaboration as a “dream come true” moment for her.
Introducing the Naomi Osaka x Takashi Murakami EZONE Racquet 🌸🐻💕 so happy with this one, was always an admirer of @takashipom so to be able to collaborate together is really a dream. Infinite thank you’s to @yonex_tennis because this wouldn’t have come to life without them ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PnN02CU9yu
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) August 12, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel
Naomi Osaka launches new racquet with Yonex Tennis
Osaka has been in collaboration with Yonex for the past two years. She has been using a Yonex racquet ever since she was a child back in 2008. The Japanese star knows the value of a good grip and the gutting of the strings.
Moreover, she has now managed to get her favorite artist to design a new racquet for her. The Ezone racquet has been a hotshot since last year and now along with the new design, it is bound to tear the market.
via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Women’s Singles – Round 2 – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 26, 2021. Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates after winning her second round match against Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland REUTERS/Mike Segar
“Introducing the Naomi Osaka x Takashi Murakami EZONE Racquet, so happy with this one, was always an admirer of @takashipom so to be able to finally collaborate together is really a dream. Infinite thank you’s to @yonex_tennis for trusting me with the vision and because this project wouldn’t have come to life so amazingly without them,” said Osaka on her social media handle.
The racquet has a light hint of pink to it along with hearts on it. The kitbag has a teddy bear and a flower on it, giving it the most adorable look.
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 12: Naomi Osaka of Japan returns the ball in the second set during her Women’s Singles final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on Day Thirteen of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 12, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Osaka on her way towards a strong comeback
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This year has been a roller coaster ride for Naomi Osaka. The Japanese star has been in the media’s crosshairs for numerous reasons. Her withdrawal from the French Open due to mental health issues created a buzz around the industry. However, with the support of numerous fans and personalities, she has been able to get back on her feet.
With a new racquet comes new confidence and Osaka will use it to her fullest. After an unsuccessful Olympic campaign in her home country, Osaka will be looking for redemption. The World No.2 will look to defend her US Open title in New York later this month.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A strong end to the year can provide a boost of motivation for Osaka. The question lies though- Can she retain her title?
