“Watched so Many Of My Idols Win This Award”: Naomi Osaka Upon Receiving Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award

World number two Naomi Osaka, who has been a consistent performer on the WTA tour over the past couple of years, was awarded the Laureus Sportswoman of the year for her incredible achievements.

Laureus awards are one of the prestigious sporting events present in the world as it recognizes top performances over a calendar year. Having won two grand slam titles back-to-back, Osaka was deservedly the right recipient of the trophy as she displayed true grit and determination, both on and off the court.

Naomi Osaka hopes to impact as many people as possible

Osaka is an athlete who always speaks her mind during post-match interviews, and she is popular among fans and tennis journalists alike. 

After receiving the award, the Japanese spoke humbly about what this accolade meant for her. 

“Thank you so much. I am so happy to receive this Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award, and I know that for me, I have watched so many of my role models win this award growing up, so it definitely means a lot to now be holding it,” Osaka stated. 

In a selfish sport such as tennis, players like Osaka are trying to bring about a change in the way fans perceive the sport by openly speaking about issues off the court and leading change from the front.

The four-time Grand Slam winner also mentioned her future in the sport and the impact she strives to make through her tennis.  

“Looking ahead, my main hopes for the future would just be to have helped or impacted as many people as I could. You know, if you have a platform I think it’s very important to use it,” Osaka concluded. 

Even though it took a while for Naomi Osaka to dust off her inhibitions on and off the court, it was a welcome change as she heads off to become a more consistent player on the women’s circuit after Serena Williams. 

Also read: Martina Navratiova Calls Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff the Torch Bearers of a Strong Women’s Field