Japanese tennis player and world number two Naomi Osaka, who had a dismal run on the European clay-court swing, looks to test her luck at the upcoming French Open. A fierce contender on hard-courts, Osaka is yet to adapt her game to natural surfaces like clay and grass.
While Roland Garros presents a perfect opportunity for the Japanese to prover her mettle, she didn’t have enough wins under her belt to enter the Parisian clay-courts with beaming confidence.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Naomi Osaka celebrates 75th Anniversary of Yonex in an inspirational video
However, the Japanese had a lot of things going her way off the court. Osaka earned a whopping $55 million in the last year, where she won two grand slams and bagged numerous endorsements. Her ability to convey what’s in her mind and standing up for what she believed in attracted sponsors.
Yonex, the Japanese sports equipment manufacturing company, sponsors Osaka. Celebrating their 75th anniversary in the sports market, the company made an inspirational video with the winner of Australian Open 2021.
The clip, with Osaka, depicts the importance of striving hard to give the best every day.
“Here’s the truth. People watch the match. But, they don’t show up to practice. Every practice is a chance to try your best, to do your best. Every morning is a chance to get a little better, and another step closer to smiling across the net from me”, Osaka was quoted as saying.
“Every morning is a chance to get a little better.”
This is no ordinary day. Today will be my greatest day. Until, perhaps tomorrow. #FarBeyondOrdinary #Yonex75th pic.twitter.com/G05ex0fJpJ
— Yonex Tennis (@yonex_tennis) May 26, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The promotional video ended with the Japanese player saying the tagline of Yonex – “Far Beyond Ordinary”.
Right from the start of her career, Osaka has been using the kit of Yonex. The 23-year old is proving her prowess not only on the tennis court but also off the field.
Coming back to tennis, Naomi Osaka will be entering the French Open as the number two seed. Last year, she withdrew from the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With tough competitors in the form of Ash Barty, Aryna Sabalenka, Elina Svitolina, and Iga Swiatek, it’s a test of survival for the Japanese on the red-dirt this year.