All About Leonard Francois and Tamaki Osaka

Naomi Osaka’s success story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning her parents, Leonard Francois and Tamaki Osaka.

Their international background and unwavering support played a key role in shaping her into a champion.

Meet Leonard Francois and Tamaki Osaka

Leonard, a Haitian-American, met Tamaki, a Japanese national, while he was a college student visiting Japan. Their relationship faced initial disapproval from Tamaki’s family, but their love persevered.

They eventually settled in Osaka, Japan, where Naomi was born, giving her a connection to her mother’s heritage.

The family later moved to the United States, where Naomi’s tennis journey began at a young age. Her father, a big tennis fan, introduced his daughters, Naomi and her older sister Mari, to the sport. He took on the role of coach, drilling them on the courts in Florida while they were homeschooled at night.

Despite residing primarily in the US, Naomi and Mari were always connected to their Japanese roots.

A conscious decision was made for the sisters to represent Japan. This could have been due to a lack of early support from the US Tennis Association or simply wanting them to embrace their dual heritage.

Naomi has spoken about feeling Japanese and being raised in a household that celebrated both Haitian and Japanese cultures.

Leonard and Tamaki’s support went beyond the tennis court. They fostered a strong work ethic and instilled in Naomi the importance of staying true to her roots.

Their influence continues to be evident in her outspoken personality and her advocacy for social justice. Their unwavering belief in their daughters’ potential helped launch Naomi’s incredible career, making them a vital part of her story.