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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 27: Naomi Osaka of Japan walks out on to court prior to her during her Women’s Singles first round match against Anna Blinkova of Russia on day two of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 27: Naomi Osaka of Japan walks out on to court prior to her during her Women’s Singles first round match against Anna Blinkova of Russia on day two of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Japanese star, Naomi Osaka, has risen to prominence as one of the most influential players on the WTA circuit in the last few years. At the young age of 24, she already has four Grand Slam titles in her trophy cabinet. Apart from her excellence on a tennis court, she also is one of the most popular and influential athletes currently competing in tennis.
Osaka was featured in the Forbes Under 30 list when she was just 21-years-old. Recently, Naomi unlocked another tremendous achievement as she was a part of the recently released ‘Forbes Under 30 Hall of Fame’.
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Naomi Osaka enters the Forbes Under 30 Hall of Fame
Naomi Osaka has been a consistent player on the WTA Tour since returning pro in 2016. The Japanese lifted her maiden Grand Slam title at US Open 2018, at the age of 21. Since then, she has earned four Grand Slam titles in all.
The 24-year-old has also been incredibly active in lending her voice for social causes as an athlete, and using her platform for the betterment of people’s lives. Another athlete who has done this is the NBA star, LeBron James. Osaka and James are the only two athletes represented in the Forbes Under 30 Hall of Fame.
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 14: Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates after winning match point in her Women’s Singles fourth round match against Garbine Muguruza of Spain during day seven of the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 14, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Osaka became a prominent champion of mental health well-being by taking a brave stance during this year’s French Open.
In addition, Naomi Osaka is now the highest-paid female athlete ever. She earned a whopping $60 million in the year 2021.
Ranked the No. 1 tennis player in the world, Naomi Osaka joined the #ForbesUnder30 list at age 21. Now Osaka is the highest-paid female athlete ever, earning more than any previous such woman in both 2020 and 2021 https://t.co/xW4e6sL953 pic.twitter.com/v5zffR4EEU
— Forbes (@Forbes) December 1, 2021
Watch this story: The Journey of Roger Federer to the Elite Billionaire’s Club
Osaka’s endorsement earnings in 2020 and 2019
Naomi Osaka is one of the most marketable athletes on the WTA Tour. She earned $16 million solely from her endorsements in 2019, just one place behind Serena Williams‘ $25 million. In the subsequent year, the Japanese managed to gain $34 million from endorsements.
Recently, she also announced that she’ll be working with Victoria’s Secret Collective.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 12: Naomi Osaka of Japan returns the ball in the second set during her Women’s Singles final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on Day Thirteen of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 12, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
In addition, Naomi Osaka has resumed her training after a break since US Open 2021. Most probably, the defending champion will be aiming her comeback at the Australian Open 2022. Many major players like Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams have confirmed their participation at the Happy Slam.
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