"It is a great escapism for me" - Osaka speaks on impact of gaming following Fortnite collab

Naomi Osaka has been an advocate for mental health awareness for athletes, and the former World No.1 took some time to focus on herself when she withdrew from competitive play last year.

During her hiatus, the Japanese superstar rediscovered her love for gaming, which led to her collaborating with Epic Games to design a new release in the Fortnite Icon Series. 

The edition of the game will feature and in-game edition set of outfits inspired by Osaka’s style. The four-time Grand Slam champion's love for gaming has made the partnership a healthy fit.

“Gaming has always been such a huge part of my life,” revealed Osaka. “I like it because it brings back great memories of growing up with my sister and gaming together in the family home.

“Also it is a great escapism for me as I have always been into gaming and fantasy-type storytelling.”

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Osaka’s sister Mari helped in the design of outfits for the collaboration. The style of outfits are inspired by Osaka’s Haitian and Japanese heritage.

“I love paying homage to both my Japanese and Haitian heritage so this project gave me the opportunity to be inspired by both,”

“Mari is such a creative genius,” she said. “Now that she has stopped playing tennis, fashion and design collabs are where we go to work together and bond. I often have the ideas in my head and she brings them to life with her sketches. It really is such a blast and she is amazing.”