"This means so much to me, always wanted to help young tennis players that were like me" - Osaka on fan video
WTA
Naomi Osaka received a video from a young Haitian tennis fan who also happens to play tennis thanks to her initiative.
Osaka partnered with Laureus Sport and Nike to form the Play Academy which allows young girls to play tennis. The program has since expanded to multiple locations outside of the US including the native countries of her parents, Japan and Haiti.
The young fan who sent Osaka the video is named Uma and she had a special message for Osaka. Both she and her father spoke in the video expressing gratitude for Osaka's initiative that allowed her to pick up a racquet:
"Hi Naomi, it's Uma. Thank you for all Naomi, I would like to be like you in the future and I will make you proud of me. I hope we will see you soon. Thank you for all and good luck for the next Grand Slam." said Uma.
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Her father added:
"Hi Naomi, it's Uma's dad. Just want to say thank you for the great opportunity that you gave to Uma. It's just amazing."
The japanese responded on her Twitter writing:
"This video means so much to me. I always wanted to help young tennis players that were like me, talented but could use some help with resources. I wanted to make it easier for the kids that will travel down the same path I did. So thankful for the grant from Play Academy.
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