“Since becoming a mom, kids saying I’m their favorite player is really huge” - Naomi Osaka delves into importance of being a ‘role model’ as a mother

Naomi Osaka delved into the importance of becoming a role model for the younger generation of players after clinching a win against Ons Jabeur in the opening round of the National Bank Open. The Japanese ousted the Tunisian 6-3, 6-1 in just an hour and 11 minutes.

During her press conference, Osaka was asked how she felt when little Black and Asian kids came to watch her play, to which the Japanese said that she understood the importance of representation and mentioned how she wouldn't be where she was if not for her idols Serena and Venus Williams.

“Yeah, I mean, I think for me, representation is really important. I've thought that way since I was younger. I know I wouldn't be here without my role models, Serena and Venus. Just to, I guess, blaze that path for other kids is really cool.”

The 26-year-old, who welcomed her daughter Shai last year, also touched upon how the meaning of the word 'role model' meant much more to her ever since becoming a mother, as being someone's favorite who had their parents with them meant something important.

“I was talking with someone about this the other day, but since becoming a mom I think the word "role model" has always been heavy to me, but now it's like I'm looking at kids looking at me and saying that I'm their favorite player, and knowing that they have a parent behind them that's kind of trusting me with that is really huge."

Naomi Osaka also mentioned that if her daughter had a poster of a player, she would do an immense amount of research to know what type of a person they were. She reiterated that being someone's favorite meant a lot to her and wanted to pay their trust back in the best way possible.

"If I think about Shai, like, having a poster of a player, then I'm going to like do a lot of research on that person, so I really feel the trust and I think it definitely means a lot to me, so I try to pay it back.”

Naomi Osaka will play Elise Mertens in the second round of the National Bank Open

Naomi Osaka (Image source: Getty)

After a scintillating start, Naomi Osaka will look to continue her form in the second round against Elise Mertens at the 2024 National Bank Open. Just like the Japanese, Mertnes also had a great start to her campaign ousting Katie Volynets 6-3, 6-1 in an hour and 34 minutes.

Osaka and Mertens have played each other six times in their careers, with the former World No. 1 leading their head-to-head 4-2. This will be their meeting of the year with both women winning a match.

Their first meeting came in Indian Wells where the Belgian prevailed in straight sets, whereas, their second meeting came at the Libema Open where Naomi Osaka got her revenge, also in straight sets.