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, a first for an Asian player. She has secured seven career singles titles, including four Grand Slam victories: two at the Australian Open and two at the US Open. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first Japanese player to win a major singles title, solidifying her place as a significant figure in the sport.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2014: Qualified for first WTA Tour main draw at Stanford Classic

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

2016: First Career WTA Final

In 2016, Naomi Osaka made her first career WTA final at the Pan Pacific Open, marking one of the first notable instances where her strategy of winning long rallies proved successful.

2018: Won US Open

In 2018, Naomi Osaka defeated Serena Williams in the final of the US Open to win her first major title, becoming the first Japanese woman to win a major singles title.

2018: Won first tour title and US Open

In 2018, Naomi Osaka won her first Tour title at the Indian Wells Open and defeated Serena Williams in the final of the US Open.

2018: Sascha Bajin Named WTA Coach of the Year

Sascha Bajin was named the inaugural WTA Coach of the Year in 2018 for his work with Naomi Osaka, who had a breakthrough season.

January 2019: Reached world number 1 ranking

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

2019: Earnings in Endorsements

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

2019: Included on Time's list of 100 most influential people

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

2019: Time 100 Most Influential People

In 2019, Naomi Osaka was named to the Time 100 most influential people in the world for representing professional tennis well as a role model.

2019: Won Australian Open and reached world No. 1

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

2020: Highest-Paid Female Athlete

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

2020: Ranked among top athletes in endorsement income

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 Sports Illustrated Sportspersons of the Year.

2020: Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year

In 2020, Naomi Osaka was named a Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year for her activism. She was also honored as one of the Time 100 most influential people in the world in 2020.

2020: Won second US Open title

In 2020, Naomi Osaka won her second US Open title, becoming the first player to win a US Open women's singles final by coming from a set down since 1994.

2021: Miami Open Final

In 2021, Naomi Osaka reached her first final since the 2021 Australian Open at the Miami Open after defeating Belinda Bencic in the semifinals. As the 77th-ranked player, she became the lowest-ranked finalist in the tournament's history. However, she lost in straight sets to Iga Świątek in the final.

2021: Named Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year

In 2021, Naomi Osaka was named the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year and was included on Time's list of the 100 most influential people in the world for the third year in a row. She also lit the Olympic cauldron.

2021: Won second Australian Open title

In 2021, Naomi Osaka won her second Australian Open title, becoming one of only three players in the Open Era to win her first four Grand Slam finals.

2021: First Title Since 2021 Australian Open

Naomi Osaka achieved her first title since the 2021 Australian Open, winning the WTA 125 Open de Saint-Malo tournament in 2021 by defeating Kaja Juvan in the final. This marked her first tournament victory on clay.

2022: Furthest run in a major

Naomi Osaka reached her furthest run in a major since the 2022 Australian Open when she competed in the 2025 Australian Open. This boosted her ranking to world No. 42.

2025: Auckland Open Final and Australian Open

In 2025, Naomi Osaka reached her first final since 2022 at the Auckland Open, but retired due to injury. At the Australian Open in 2025, she defeated Caroline Garcia and Karolína Muchová before retiring against Belinda Bencic.