Three-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka ended 2020 with one other nicely deserved flex—by changing into a Vogue cowl woman.
The reigning U.S. Open champ is certainly one of 4 cowl stars gracing the journal’s January challenge and is being lauded not only for her athletic achievements but additionally her political activism.
Earlier this yr, throughout the top of the Black Lives Matter motion, Osaka used her platform to amplify requires racial and social justice. She was lively on social media, boycotted a tennis match and marched towards police brutality.
Vogue pic.twitter.com/XLeNUBXyJp
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) December 11, 2020
Most notably, the tennis star put the names of Black victims of police violence entrance and middle throughout her matches. As she walked out onto the court docket on the U.S. Open, Osaka wore masks honoring Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, George Floyd and Philando Castile.
1st spherical: Breonna Taylor
2nd spherical: Elijah McClain
third spherical: Ahmaud Arbery
Spherical of 16: Trayvon Martin
Quarterfinals: George Floyd
Tonight: Philando Castile✊🏽 @naomiosaka pic.twitter.com/bDFbTFY0y6
— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) September 10, 2020
It was probably the most seen expression of her activism, which she instructed Vogue has been brewing all year long.
“I contemplate myself Japanese-Haitian-American. I at all times grew up with a little bit bit extra Japanese heritage and tradition, however I’m Black, and I reside in America, and I personally didn’t assume it was too far-fetched after I began speaking about issues that had been taking place right here. There are issues occurring right here that actually scare me.”
Osaka, who was photographed by Annie Leibovitz, joins Black feminine athletes like Simone Biles and Serena Williams as a Vogue cowl star.