2024 Sports Illustrated Sportspersons of the Year
Osaka was recognized for her activism, particularly during her US Open championship run.
Naomi Osaka: A Champion On and Off the Court
In 2020, Naomi Osaka was named one of Sports Illustrated’s Sportspersons of the Year, a distinction given to individuals who not only excel in their respective sports but also make a lasting impact beyond the game. Osaka’s recognition came as a result of her impressive athletic feats combined with her unwavering commitment to activism, particularly during the US Open that year.
Her courageous efforts to advocate for social justice, racial equality, and racial violence made her a figure of influence both on and off the court.
The Athlete: A Tennis Phenomenon
Naomi Osaka’s career in tennis had already been marked by success prior to 2020.
By the time she arrived at the US Open that year, she was already a Grand Slam champion, having won the 2018 US Open and the 2019 Australian Open. Her unique playing style, blending raw power with incredible agility and mental fortitude, had made her one of the most promising and captivating figures in women’s tennis.
However, her journey to the 2020 US Open was not a smooth ride. She faced challenges both on the court and in her personal life, including injuries and the mental strain of a global pandemic.
The year 2020 was unlike any other in tennis history, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of many tournaments and altered the way players and fans engaged with the sport.
Yet, Osaka emerged from this chaos as a resilient and determined athlete.
At the 2020 US Open, she displayed an impressive level of skill and focus that led her to her third Grand Slam title.
This victory solidified her place as one of the most formidable players in tennis. But her impact went far beyond her athletic accomplishments.
Activism: A Powerful Voice for Change
Osaka’s activism was perhaps the most defining aspect of her 2020 journey.
The year saw the world grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was also a pivotal moment for social justice movements, especially in the United States.
The killing of George Floyd by a police officer in May 2020 sparked a wave of protests under the Black Lives Matter (BLM) banner, urging people everywhere to confront systemic racism and police brutality.
The fight for racial justice became a global conversation, and Osaka found herself at the forefront of this movement.
Her activism was evident from the very first round of the 2020 US Open, where she took to the court wearing a mask emblazoned with the name of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman who was fatally shot by police officers in her own home earlier that year.
This act of solidarity was just the beginning of a series of similar gestures that would define her run at the US Open. In each of her matches, Osaka wore a different mask, each bearing the name of a Black victim of police violence, including names like Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, and Elijah McClain.
Her decision to wear the masks was not just a symbolic gesture but a call to action. As she moved through the tournament, Osaka became a global figure not only for her tennis skills but for her advocacy for Black lives and her ability to use her platform to shine a light on racial inequality.
The masks became a visual statement, a way for Osaka to ensure that the names of these victims were not forgotten and that the fight for justice was amplified. In this way, Osaka’s activism became interwoven with her athletic journey, as each match won was an opportunity to carry the message of racial justice to a wider audience.
The US Open: A Stage for Advocacy
The 2020 US Open was not just another Grand Slam tournament; it became a platform for activism and social change, in large part due to Osaka’s actions.
As the tournament unfolded, Osaka continued to be a vocal advocate for racial equality, even as she focused on her quest for a third Grand Slam title.
She made a point of using the matches not just as a personal milestone but as a chance to further the conversation around race and inequality.
Her activism wasn’t confined to her attire alone. In the days leading up to the tournament, Osaka had made headlines by withdrawing from a semifinal match at the Cincinnati Open to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man who was shot seven times by police officers in Kenosha, Wisconsin. This action forced the tennis community to pause and reflect, as the sport had never seen such a direct response to racial injustice. Osaka’s boldness to take a stand was admired not only by fans and players but by activists around the world.
During the US Open, her performance on the court was nothing short of extraordinary. Osaka’s mental strength and composure were tested in every match, and yet she maintained her focus, powered by the belief that her platform could be used for a higher purpose. Her victory in the final, a 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Victoria Azarenka, was celebrated not just for her athletic brilliance but for her unwavering commitment to justice and activism. The win capped off a remarkable year, where she proved that activism and sport could go hand in hand.
Osaka’s Impact Beyond Tennis
Naomi Osaka’s recognition as Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year was not just about her prowess on the tennis court. It was a reflection of how her influence reached beyond the sport, transcending the boundaries of athletics to become a voice for social change. Osaka’s platform as one of the most popular and successful athletes in the world allowed her to draw attention to the issues of racial inequality and injustice that plagued society.
In 2020, she was not just a tennis player; she became a symbol of activism in sports. Her ability to blend sport with social justice helped redefine what it means to be a public figure in the 21st century. Unlike many athletes of previous generations, who were often expected to remain apolitical, Osaka embraced her role as an agent of change. She used her global stage to fight for the rights of marginalized communities, becoming an advocate for racial justice, police reform, and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Her activism also had a profound impact on the sports world. Osaka’s efforts encouraged other athletes to use their platforms to speak out on important social issues, especially in the world of tennis, which had often been seen as a more conservative and apolitical space. Her actions led to a greater awareness of the need for athletes to stand up for what they believe in, setting a new precedent for how sports can be used as a force for positive social change.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Osaka’s selection as Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year was a recognition of both her sporting achievements and her activism. She demonstrated that sports are not just about individual success but can be a platform for making a lasting impact on society. Through her efforts in 2020, Osaka inspired millions, especially young people of color, to take action and use their voices for change.
In the years to come, Naomi Osaka will likely be remembered not only for her success on the tennis court but for her role in changing the landscape of activism in sports. Her legacy will be defined by her courage to stand up for justice, her ability to speak truth to power, and her willingness to use her influence to address some of the most pressing issues of our time. Naomi Osaka is more than just a tennis champion—she is a champion for change.
