Friday, April 26

Tag: Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka suffers first-round loss to Amanda Anisimova in French Open, not ‘100% sure’ she’ll play Wimbledon
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Naomi Osaka suffers first-round loss to Amanda Anisimova in French Open, not ‘100% sure’ she’ll play Wimbledon

Naomi Osaka's return to the French Open ended in the first round on Monday, and the four-time Grand Slam winner said she is leaning towards not playing at Wimbledon. After she lost her opening match to Amanda Anisimova 7-5, 6-4 at Roland Garros on Court Suzanne Lenglen, Osaka was asked whether the collective decision to remove ranking points from Wimbledon would influence her decision on whether to compete at the next Grand Slam on the circuit. "I'm not 100% sure if I'm going to go there [to Wimbledon]," Osaka said. "I would love to go just to get some experience on the grass-court but, like at the same time for me, it's kind of like -- I don't want to say pointless, no pun intended, but I'm the type of player that gets motivated by, like, seeing my ranking go up or like, you kn...
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Tokyo Olympics: 2020 Games begin as Naomi Osaka lights Olympic flame in poignant ceremony
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Tokyo Olympics: 2020 Games begin as Naomi Osaka lights Olympic flame in poignant ceremony

The honour fell to Naomi Osaka to light the flame, the beacon of hope the Olympics attempts to be. It marked the official opening of Tokyo 2020, a year later than planned, and in the midst of a global pandemic. Perhaps as expected, Friday's opening ceremony was not of the usual ilk. No carnival like Rio, no skydiving monarchs like London, but a more sombre tone, a sobering reminder that this is a Games taking place in a world still facing its toughest challenge. "Today is a moment of hope," said Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). "Yes, it is very different from what all of us had imagined. But let us cherish this moment because finally we are all here together." This Games is going to be different, dampened by masks, positive tests and ...
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Naomi Osaka: Four-time Grand Slam winner to miss Wimbledon but plans Olympics return
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Naomi Osaka: Four-time Grand Slam winner to miss Wimbledon but plans Olympics return

Japan's Naomi Osaka will not play at Wimbledon this year but is planning to return in time for the Tokyo Olympics. The four-time Grand Slam champion will spend time with friends and family having also withdrawn from the French Open in May. At the time, Osaka, 23, said she would be taking a break from tennis after experiencing depression and anxiety. The world number two says she is "excited to play in front of her home fans" in Tokyo. Osaka was fined $15,000 (£10,570) for not taking part in a news conference following her first round match at Roland Garros. Grand Slam organisers said she could face expulsion from the tournament should she refuse to take part in media duties. But the player withdrew from the tournament the following day, saying she needed to...
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Naomi Osaka launching debut swimwear collaboration with Frankies Bikinis
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Naomi Osaka launching debut swimwear collaboration with Frankies Bikinis

Professional tennis player Naomi Osaka is hitting the beach! Osaka has teamed up with Frankies Bikinis for her first ever swimwear collaboration just in time for summer. Frankies BikinisNaomi Osaka wearing a one piece bathing suit from the Frankies Bikinis x Naomi Osaka collection. The Los Angeles based fashion brand says they worked closely with Osaka for a brand new range of swimwear. "I think it's really important for brands to design for all women, not just certain sizes or shapes or body types. For me, it's important to align myself with brands that make inclusivity a priority," Osaka said in a press release. The collaboration will incorporate a range of different fabrics, prints and silhouettes ranging from $80 to $190. It will also include a signature "O...
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US Open 2020: Osaka savours second New York triumph after stunning win over Azarenka
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US Open 2020: Osaka savours second New York triumph after stunning win over Azarenka

Naomi Osaka landed her second US Open title in three years – and unlike last time there was unmitigated joy for the Japanese player. Her 2018 triumph was largely overshadowed by Serena Williams' outbursts towards umpire Carlos Ramos, which led to a hostile crowd atmosphere, even during the trophy ceremony. Naomi Osaka hid her face behind a visor, having been reduced to tears, and it was about as unpleasant as any first grand slam victory experience could possibly be. On that occasion, Osaka struggled to find a smile. Sensing the crowd were baying for a Williams win, she said then: "I know everyone was cheering for her and I'm sorry it had to end like this." But this time Osaka had her moment, albeit in unusual circumstances, with no spectators inside A...
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