Naomi Osaka adores her multicultural roots and she’s shown it over the years through her on-court attire across tournaments. The former World No. 1 always tries to pay tribute to her heritage with her captivating designs. Osaka is the daughter of a Japanese mother, but she’s also connected to Haiti, thanks to her father who’s from the Caribbean nation. And, she loves showcasing Haitian culture. Remember when she wore a custom outfit earlier back in January at the Australian Open, in collaboration with Nike, inspired by Haiti’s captivating artistry? Well, it’s not just Osaka who is in love with Haiti, the Haitians are in love with her too, as we found out in Miami.
After struggling with an abdominal injury in the first couple of months of the 2025 season, Osaka appears to have found her winning momentum. In the Miami Open, she’s shining and on Saturday, she ousted America’s Hailey Baptiste with a score line of 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-4 to advance to the pre-quarterfinals. It’s her third-best run in Florida after making it to the QF in 2021 and then the title clash in 2022.
Osaka’s victory on Saturday turned special thanks to the fans from Haiti who were cheering for her. In fact, the 4-time GS champion herself celebrated with them later, while dancing with the country’s flag.
Naomi Osaka looking very proud with the Haitian flag after a big win. pic.twitter.com/w4AocEnzcd
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) March 21, 2025
During the post-match conference, she also expressed her feelings about their immense support as well. “Yeah, it definitely means a lot to me. I think coming and playing this tournament, I definitely see a lot more Haitian flags than anywhere else. Maybe the only other place would be New York. But Miami definitely has a lot more,” Osaka said.
Continuing further she added, “I also feel like it’s kind of a homecoming for me because I did grow up here. I just feel, I don’t know, a different type of energy.” In case you missed it, the 27-year-old was seen draping the Haitian flag after her R64 battle on Thursday as well. And that wasn’t even the first time she showcased her love for the Caribbean nation.
When Naomi Osaka showcased her Haiti love with captivating looks
It’s been a long time but some of the fans might still remember the moment from Naomi Osaka’s 2020 US Open triumph. Nearly five years ago, in the final of the US Open against Victoria Azarenka, she sported a unique hair accessory. It was her way of paying tribute to the Haitian heritage. She flaunted a bright, printed head wrap, turning heads. She later emerged victorious with a score line of 1-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Osaka shared a post on her Instagram as well, in her bright orange dress while holding the US Open trophy. Explaining how she deliberately decided to wear the accessory and pay homage to Haiti, she wrote, “You already know I had to bring out the headwrap for this one”. Then on X, too, she expressed her feelings saying, “I would like to thank my ancestors because every time I remember their blood runs through my veins I am reminded that I cannot lose.”
A year later, during the 2021 Met Gala, Osaka once again displayed her love for Haiti, with a touch of Japan too. She wore an attractive dress that was inspired by her Japanese and Haitian roots. The addition of koi fishes made it stand out in the crowd.
On a previous occasion before that, Osaka confessed, “Being of Japanese and Haitian heritage is my source of strength. Having diverse life experiences has made me more tolerant, accepting, and curious. While I’m naturally soft-spoken, a trait inherited from my Japanese side, I believe my fierce competitiveness comes from my Haitian roots.”
Coming back to tennis, Naomi Osaka will look to push her Miami Open campaign forward in R16, as she’s set to face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini. This match will mark their first meeting on the WTA Tour. Will Osaka manage to oust the World No.6 and advance? What do you think?
The post Embracing Her Haitian Roots, Naomi Osaka Shares the Support Driving Her Miami Open Campaign appeared first on EssentiallySports.
