Naomi Osaka was barely three years old when she first learned how to hit a ball with her racquet. Born in Japan, Osaka was four years old when her family relocated to New York. It marked a significant turning point in her career as it was around the same time when Osaka’s father, Leonard Francois, who got inspired by watching Serena Williams’ tennis, introduced her to the sport. That’s where the Japanese star threw all her “cards”!

Osaka immediately took it up with enthusiasm and started to build her own career in tennis. Besides, with her admission to elementary school being tougher than usual (as she didn’t speak English), Osaka fully concentrated on learning tennis, with her father following the same “blueprint” as Williams’ father, Richard Williams. Hence, while growing up, her path was clear: tennis or nothing.

Sharing her unflinching honesty and sacrifice, Osaka told her inspiring story in the Tennis Insider Club podcast’s August 6 episode. There she was asked about how she made a “transition” to convert her tennis hobby into her profession. To which she replied, “I honestly, like, how I grew up, there was no doubt that I was going to be a pro. Just because I didn’t, I didn’t go to school, like, physical school, yeah. So for me, there was nothing else I was good at, and I felt like that was the only way I was going to support myself and my family. So I, yeah, I kind of put all my cards on that”.

In 2006, Osaka (eight/nine at the time) and his family further moved to Florida, a place where there were plenty of opportunities for Osaka to practice tennis. During that time, she embarked on a juggling act, dividing her days between intense tennis practices under the sun and late-night homeschooling sessions. She had her training in different academies with several trainers to refine her skills further before finally turning pro in 2013. 

And it took her only 5 more years to win her debut Grand Slam at the U.S. Open! As fans, we marvel at her prowess on the court, but Osaka’s words humanize her journey, revealing the unyielding determination and sacrifice that forged a champion. And it not only involves a player’s dedication but also their family’s consistent support even in the face of adversity!

The story of Osaka’s parents’ relentless support for their daughter will make you emotional!

Osaka’s father might be a successful businessman but had little-to-no knowledge about tennis. Nevertheless, he took an oath to make his daughters, Mari and Naomi, make a name for themselves in the sport. On the other hand, her mother, Tamaki, who was once a professional tennis player herself, decided to do everything it takes to financially and emotionally support their daughters. 

Speaking about this in an interview, the former World No. 1 player said, “I would often see my mom crying.” The struggle was undoubtedly hard, but it acted as a motivation for Osaka to build her career not only for herself, but also to provide financial support to her family. “While it was not easy, my family was dedicated to helping me get the access I needed to reach my goals,” she once said.

Osaka’s story serves as a poignant reminder that, for some, sports aren’t just a dream, but a lifeline. Her journey is more than a testament to her tennis skills. Instead, it’s a window into the unseen forces that shape a champion!