‘Always Wanted to Help…’ – A Proud Naomi Osaka Uses Her Platform to Aid a Struggling Tennis Player

4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is currently enduring a tough season, as she is preparing for the US Open. Despite her ups and downs, the Japanese player has always shown that she has a heart of gold. Recently, she showed a heartwarming gesture toward a little girl and helped her achieve her dream.

In 2020, she created her own academy called ‘Play Academy with Naomi Osaka’ as she partnered with Nike, Laureus Sport, and others. At first, she launched this academy in Japan, and now she is slowly expanding it in the USA.

Naomi Osaka helps a young girl to achieve her dream of becoming a tennis player

Earlier, Osaka shared a video on Twitter, where a girl named Uma and her father thanked the Japanese player for giving them the opportunity in her academy. Moreover, Uma and her father wished Osaka all the best for the US Open and they were also eager to meet her very soon.

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In the caption, Osaka wrote, “This video means so much to me. I always wanted to help young tennis players that were like me, talented but could use some help with resources. I wanted to make it easier for the kids that will travel down the same path I did. So thankful for the grant from Play Academy.“

Notably, Osaka started this academy to help young girls all over the world who struggle financially to play tennis. It seems like Osaka is truly making a change in this world through her academy.

How far will Osaka go at the US Open 2022?

The former world no.1 has had a below-par season so far, as injuries and poor form hampered her progress in many tournaments. Recently, she came back from her Achilles injury and played in the Silicon Valley Classic tournament. Later, she took part in both the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Masters.

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However, results did not go her way in all of those tournaments, as the US Open is getting closer. In those three tournaments, she played four matches and lost 3 of them. Moreover, she crashed out in the first round of both the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Masters. 

The US Open will start on 29th August and the draw is not out yet. Unless Osaka gets a favorable draw, it will be hard for her to go far, considering her current form. Moreover, the 2-time US Open champion is not looking 100 percent fit after coming back from her Achilles injury. However, there is still time before the last Grand Slam of the season starts, and the Japanese player could surprise everyone by making a grand comeback.