'Serena Williams is the face of women's tennis, as long she plays,' says Naomi Osaka

In recent years, the young gun Naomi Osaka became the most recognized face of the WTA Tour, fighting for different things and highlighting the problems the world is facing.

Speaking about her influence, Naomi said she doesn't feel like the leader of the pack but one of the new people trying to make changes. For the Japanese, Serena Williams will remain the face of women's tennis, as long she keeps playing.

Read also

Vote: Who will win 2021 Gippsland Trophy?

Alongside her tennis in New York last September, the focus was on Osaka's masks that she wore while entering the court, bearing the names of Floyd, Taylor, Tamir Rice, Elijah McClain, Trayvon Martin, Ahmaud Arbery and Philando Castile.

Two weeks earlier, Naomi protested the police shooting and decided to withdraw from the semi-final encounter against Elise Mertens, canceling the entire day and stepping on the court again the next day.

Naomi and Serena fought on Friday in Adelaide, with the American prevailing in three sets.

Read also

Serena Williams beats Naomi Osaka in Adelaide

"Honestly, I don't feel that way. There are so many interesting new people. I think I'm one of the new people. As long as Serena is here, I think she is the face of women's tennis," Naomi Osaka said.