"My dad definitely was like Venus and Serena William’s dad" - Naomi Osaka on her father Leonard Francois being inspired by Richard Williams

Naomi Osaka recently shared how her father, Leonard Francois, drew inspiration from Venus and Serena Williams' father, Richard.

Osaka recently made an appearance on Nick Kyrgios' video podcast series, 'Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios,' which is produced by her media production company, 'Hana Kuma.' The series debuted in January 2024 and has already featured celebrities such as British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, American actor and comedian Rainn Wilson, British author and life coach Jay Shetty, and others.

While speaking with Osaka, Kyrgios inquired about her father, Leonard Francois, and whether it was true that he was inspired by Venus and Serena Williams' father, Richard.

The former World No.1 replied in the positive, stating that it felt like the 82-year-old had provided a blueprint for her father to follow so that he could support her career.

"Yeah my dad definitely was like Venus and Serena’s dad. Mr. Richard kind of gave a blueprint of what to do and he just had to follow it. I think in a certain way it’s true, but he was definitely inspired," Osaka said (at 14:08).

Reflecting on her own experience as a mother to her daughter, Shai, Naomi Osaka also expressed a newfound appreciation for her own mother, Tamaki. She explained that motherhood has allowed her to understand the emotions and challenges that mothers go through on a deeper level.

"I think right now I can’t really recall because Shai’s so young that I don’t remember anything when I was her age but I talk to my mom a lot and I appreciate her way more now that I’m a mom and I’m going through the feelings that she was going through and feel like a mom’s job is never over," Osaka said.

Naomi Osaka: "Coming up on tour, my dad would talk to Mr. Richard Williams a lot"

Naomi Osaka speaking to the media at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open

Previously during a press conference, Naomi Osaka shared an interesting tidbit about her early days on the WTA Tour. She revealed that her father, Leonard Francois, used to converse with Serena and Venus Williams' father, Richard.

Osaka further revealed that her trainer at the time also sought advice from Richard.

"I mean, I feel like I know it pretty well," Naomi Osaka said. "I read Serena's book, and also, coming up on tour, my dad would talk to Mr. Williams a lot. My trainer was also talking to Mr. Williams."

The four-time Grand Slam champion stated that Richard Williams used to share stories about his daughters, before adding that she found it fascinating how the Williams family had such a significant impact on the sport.

"So they would like pass down stories and stuff. It's just like really cool, because I feel like it's so interesting how one family is so monumental for the sport," Naomi Osaka said.