"Tackled So Many Issues" - Osaka credits Serena and Venus Williams for paving the way

Naomi Osaka looked up to many tennis players but like many other tennis players, she was particularly drawn to the Williams sisters.

She was never shy about calling both of them her idols and it's not hard to see why. As an adult, Osaka always highlighted the importance of social issues for her as well as being a role model. Both Williams sisters paved the way in regards to that and Osaka recognizes that:

"The Williams sisters were such trailblazers and tackled so many issues head-on. As a Black female athlete, I credit them for breaking down barriers for me."

Osaka takes her position as a potential role model very seriously and she tries to do her part to continue the legacy of the Williams sisters.