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TOKYO: Naomi Osaka’s victory at the US Open was hailed on Sunday (September 13) 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 achieved the feat of winning a third record Grand Slam singles title as an Asian player,” said Nikkan Sports newspaper.
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.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is due to resign this week due to health problems, tweeted: “Congratulations on your second US Open victory. Thank you for the feeling. I hope you continue to play excellently.”
LEE: Tennis: Osaka beats Azarenka to win the US Open and the third Grand Slam
READ: Tennis champion Osaka seizes the sport’s increased attention in the fight for racial justice
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,” said the Mainichi Shimbun 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 Mainichi newspaper reported mixed reactions from some backers 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.
