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. She reached the world No. 1 ranking by the WTA for 25 weeks, marking the first time an Asian player achieved this top ranking in singles. Osaka's impressive career includes seven WTA Tour-level singles titles, with four of them being major titles: two Australian Open wins and two US Open victories. She is also celebrated as the first Japanese player to ever win a major singles title.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1994: First player to win US Open after a set down since 1994

In 2020, Naomi Osaka became the first player to win a US Open women's singles final by coming from a set down since 1994. This was her second US Open title in three years.

2001: Consecutive major titles since Jennifer Capriati in 2001

Naomi Osaka was the first woman to win consecutive major singles titles since Serena Williams in 2015, and was the first player to follow up her first Grand Slam singles title with another at the next such event since Jennifer Capriati in 2001. She also became the first Asian player to be ranked No. 1 in the world in singles.

2014: First WTA Tour Main Draw and Upset Victory

In 2014, Naomi Osaka qualified for her first WTA Tour main draw at the Stanford Classic, where she upset world No. 19 Samantha Stosur in a tight match, saving a match point and overcoming a deficit in the third set. She also won a match as a wildcard at the Japan Women's Open.

2015: Rising Stars Invitational Victory

In 2015, Naomi Osaka did not win another WTA Tour main-draw singles match but reached two high-level finals and won the Rising Stars Invitational at the WTA Finals, defeating Caroline Garcia. She also reached the final of the WTA 125 Hua Hin Championships in Thailand.

2015: Consecutive major titles since Serena Williams in 2015

2018: First Major Title at US Open

In 2018, Naomi Osaka won her first major title at the US Open, defeating Serena Williams in the final. The match was overshadowed by a dispute between Williams and the umpire. Osaka became the first Japanese woman to contest a major singles final and win a Grand Slam singles championship.

2018: Breakthrough Season

In 2018, Osaka credited improving her mental approach and cutting down on unforced errors for her breakthrough season. She noted her improved mental game and consistency at the Wuhan Open.

2018: Bajin Named WTA Coach of the Year

In 2018, Sascha Bajin was named the inaugural WTA Coach of the Year after coaching Osaka to her first Premier Mandatory title and two Grand Slam singles titles.

2019: Endorsement Earnings in 2019

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

2019: Time 100 Most Influential People

In 2019, Osaka was named to the Time 100 list for representing professional tennis well.

2020: Second US Open Title

In 2020, Naomi Osaka won her second US Open title, defeating Victoria Azarenka in the final after coming from a set down. She skipped the French Open and ended her season due to a hamstring injury.

2020: Highest-Paid Female Athlete

In 2020, Osaka became the highest-paid female athlete of all time, earning $37.4 million, including $34 million in endorsements. She was the 29th highest-paid athlete overall.

2020: Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year

In 2020, Osaka was named a Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year for her activism alongside LeBron James, Breanna Stewart, Patrick Mahomes, and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif.

2021: Second Australian Open Title

In 2021, Naomi Osaka won her second Australian Open title, defeating Jennifer Brady in the final. She became one of only three players in the Open Era to win her first four Grand Slam finals, alongside Roger Federer and Monica Seles.