Naomi Osaka's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Naomi Osaka. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Naomi Osaka is a highly accomplished Japanese professional tennis player, achieving the world No. 1 ranking in women's singles for 25 weeks starting in January 2019, making her the first Asian player to reach this milestone. She has secured seven career singles titles, notably winning four major championships: two at the Australian Open and two at the US Open. She holds the distinction of being the first Japanese player to ever win a major singles title.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1994: Last Set Comeback in US Open

In 1994, before Osaka in 2020, there was the last instance of a player winning a US Open women's singles final by coming from a set down.

2014: Defeated Samantha Stosur in WTA Debut

In 2014, at the age of 16, Naomi Osaka gained prominence by defeating former US Open champion Samantha Stosur in her WTA Tour debut at the Stanford Classic.

2014: Qualified for First WTA Main Draw and Upset Samantha Stosur

In the summer of 2014, Naomi Osaka qualified for her first WTA Tour main draw at the Stanford Classic and upset world No. 19, Samantha Stosur.

2018: Won First Tour Title and US Open

In 2018, Naomi Osaka broke into the upper echelon of women's tennis by winning her first Tour title at the Indian Wells Open, and then defeating Serena Williams in the final of the US Open.

2018: Won US Open

In 2018, Naomi Osaka won her first major title at the US Open by defeating Serena Williams in the final.

2018: Bajin Named WTA Coach of the Year

In 2018, Sascha Bajin was named the inaugural WTA Coach of the Year.

January 2019: Reached WTA No. 1 Ranking

In January 2019, Naomi Osaka was ranked as the world No. 1 in women's singles by the WTA. She was the first Asian player to hold the top ranking in singles.

2019: Included on Time's 100 Most Influential People List

In 2019, Naomi Osaka was included on Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2019: Endorsement Earnings in 2019

In 2019, Osaka earned an estimated $16 million in endorsements, placing her second among female athletes.

2019: Won Australian Open and Reached World No. 1

In early 2019, Naomi Osaka won the Australian Open and reached the world No. 1 ranking for the first time.

2019: Time 100 Most Influential People in 2019

Osaka was named to the Time 100 most influential people in the world in 2019 for representing professional tennis well as an excellent role model and a major champion.

2020: Ranked Eighth in Athlete Endorsements and Named Sportsperson of the Year

In 2020, Naomi Osaka ranked eighth among athletes in endorsement income and had the highest-ever annual income of any female athlete. She was also named one of the 2020 Sports Illustrated Sportspersons of the Year for her activism, particularly during her US Open championship run.

2020: Highest-Paid Female Athlete in 2020

In 2020, Osaka became the highest-paid female athlete of all time, earning $37.4 million in total, including $34 million in endorsements.

2020: Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year

Osaka was named a 2020 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year for her activism.

2021: First Title Since 2021 Australian Open

At the WTA 125 Open de Saint-Malo tournament, Osaka defeated Kaja Juvan in the final, achieving her first title since the 2021 Australian Open and her first tournament victory on clay.

2021: Named Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year and Lighted Olympic Cauldron

In 2021, Naomi Osaka was the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021), she became the first tennis player to light the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony.

2021: Won Australian Open

In 2021, Naomi Osaka won the Australian Open, claiming her second Australian Open title.

2021: Tokyo Olympics Performance

In 2021, Osaka, ranked 2nd in the world, lit the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony and lost in the 3rd round of the Tokyo Olympics to Markéta Vondroušová.