Naomi Osaka Readies the New Generation of Tennis Stars With Nike

Nike has teamed up with Tennis Star Naomi Osaka in a new initiative for young girls called Play Academy, as apart of their Made to Play commitment to getting kids around the world to be more active.

The future players gushed about their admiration of Osaka’s calmness on the court, and to their surprise, the star joined them for an impromptu training session. The five-time Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) title winner met with the group in Tokyo, Japan to share some tips and tricks about the game.

But before she could guide them on her signature stance and serve, the girls had to know things like who was Naomi’s favorite singer and if she had a celebrity crush. Knowing how much a role model she is to these girls, she imparted the knowledge of patience and reminded them that life doesn’t revolve around tennis. “It’s a game after all,” she says.

She shared with the girls her favorite part of the sport: the grind, the very grind that won her two back-to-back Grand Slam titles in the 2018 US Open and the 2019 Australian Open. Naomi continues to be an example of how representation will inspire the next generation of great women in sports. Understanding the impact of inclusivity in sports, she writes in her caption, “I’m excited for the girls to learn new skills because you never know where it might take you. I also hope the sport will teach them that you don’t have to fit in a box, you can create your own lane”.

Naomi continues to serve as an inspiration to young girls who see a part of themselves in her. She is a force to reckon with and we will continue to root for her.