“My heritage is my power,” Naomi Osaka once admitted and true to her words, she never shies away from embracing her roots. We have seen how, during major events, she sports outfits that pay tribute to her heritage. The 4-time GS winner might be settled in California, but she loves her roots which lie in Japan and Haiti. Remember her Australian Open dress this year, in collaboration with Nike? It was inspired by Haiti’s amazing artistry. “I told you, Haiti always with me,” she said. And she was spot on indeed. The 27-year-old has now shown another touching gesture towards the Caribbean nation.

Osaka’s 2025 season hasn’t gone down all too well. Beginning the season with the ASB Classic, she reached the final of the event there in Auckland in early January only to withdraw her name from the title clash due to an abdominal injury. It continued to trouble her in Melbourne too. Down under, she was forced to pull out from the third round due to an abdominal strain again.

When she returned after more than a month, at the Indian Wells, Osaka failed to impress. In the first round, she was ousted by Colombia’s Camila Osorio who beat her in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. Osaka was so devastated after that defeat that she called it the “worst match” she ever played. However, the former World No. 1 seems to have found her rhythm in Miami.

The Japanese star took on Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in her opening match and toppled her with a score line of 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. And, she backed it up with another victory in R2 against Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova, whom she sent packing in straight sets 6-2, 6-4. Feeling ecstatic after the win, Osaka decided to embrace the Haitian flag in pure joy.

For the uninitiated, Osaka’s mother Tamaki Osaka is from Nemuro, Hokkaido, Japan. But her father Leonard François hails from Jacmel, Haiti. Hence, she has a deep connection with Haiti. Osaka feels great to have this multicultural influence on herself. Last month, during a Q&A on her Instagram, the 27-year-old made it clear as well. When a fan asked where was she from, the two-time AO champion wrote, “I’m from everywhere babygirl❤️❤️❤️.”

As for the on-court representation of her heritage, Osaka has always made sure to showcase her culture through her outfits. Especially when it comes to her Haiti love.

Naomi Osaka and her Haiti-inspired looks on the court

When Naomi Osaka clinched her third Slam trophy at the 2020 US Open, she donned a unique hair accessory. And guess what? It was a tribute to her Haitian heritage. She wore a bright, printed head wrap while conquering Victoria Azarenka 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the summit clash at the Flushing Meadows. Later, she shared a picture on IG, in her bright orange outfit, while holding the winner’s trophy.

Explaining how she deliberately chose the accessory to pay homage to Haiti, the former World No.1 wrote on Instagram, “You already know I had to bring out the headwrap for this one” Adding to her feelings, she later wrote on X, “I would like to thank my ancestors because everytime I remember their blood runs through my veins I am reminded that I cannot lose.”

But this wasn’t the only moment of Osaka showing her Haiti love. A year later, in 2021, she attended the Met Gala event in a stunning dress. Its design was influenced by both Japanese and Haitian heritage. Moreover, the key addition of koi fishes made the outfit stand out.

On a previous occasion, Osaka confessed, “Being of Japanese and Haitian heritage is my source of strength. Having diverse life experiences has made me more tolerant, accepting, and curious. While I’m naturally soft-spoken, a trait inherited from my Japanese side, I believe my fierce competitiveness comes from my Haitian roots.” 

But what about Osaka’s form on the tennis court? Well, it seems to be back on track in Miami, but she will have to find that consistency. She will now face America’s Hailey Baptiste in R32 on Sunday. Osaka already has an edge over Baptiste, thanks to the 1-0 lead in the h2h tally. Earlier this year, these two players met during QF of the ASB Classic where the Japanese ace won 7-6(6), 6-1, 6-2. This time, she will look to extend her domination and secure a spot in the R16.

Naomi Osaka’s best run in Miami came in 2022 when she reached the final before eventually losing to Iga Swiatek. What are your thoughts on her prospects in Miami this season? Will she be able to make a deep run?