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Osaka, of Japanese and Haitian descent, wore different masks for each of her seven matches at the tournament, honoring victims of racial injustice and police brutality.
Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates with the trophy after winning her individual women’s final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on Day 13 of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 12, 2020 in the Queens borough of LA New York City. Image: @ usopen / Twitter
TOKYO – Naomi Osaka’s victory at the US Open was hailed on Sunday by Japanese media and officials, who widely welcomed her campaign for victims of racial injustice and against police brutality.
Public broadcaster NHK broke into its regular news program to break the news of the 22-year-old’s latest Grand Slam win, after she defeated Victoria Azarenka 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 to join to the victory of the US Open 2018 and the Australian Open 2019.
“Osaka accomplished the feat of winning a record third Grand Slam singles title as an Asian player,” the newspaper said. Nikkan Sports.
Japan men’s tennis number one Kei Nishikori, who withdrew from the US Open after testing positive for coronavirus, congratulated his partner on her triumph, tweeting a series of like, muscle and Japanese flag emoticons.
The media and supporters also backed the 22-year-old Osaka’s protest against racism on and off the pitch.
“The victory embodied the sentiment of grieving families who hope to prevent a recurrence of tragedies and change society,” _Mainichi Shimbun _ said daily.
Osaka entered the court before the final wearing a mask bearing the name of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old African American boy who was shot and killed by a white police officer in Cleveland, Ohio in 2014.
Osaka, of Japanese and Haitian descent, wore different masks for each of her seven matches at the tournament, honoring victims of racial injustice and police brutality.
“She is brave. I am proud of her,” Osaka’s grandfather Tetsuo Osaka, 75, told reporters of his stance.
Fumio Kishida, one of three candidates to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, tweeted: “I respect her as she fought and showed the best result, highlighting the importance of diversity in the world. I am very encouraged.”
But the daily _Mainichi _ reported mixed reactions from some sponsors in Japan.
“I don’t think he would have to do that while fighting his way to the top. If possible, we would like him to attract more attention with his tennis skills,” said a source linked to a Japanese corporate sponsor in Osaka. according to the newspaper.
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