Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka took to Instagram to reveal her sister Mari helped design the latest racket from Yonex collection. Mari, who broke into the top-300 in 2018, is now retired and she has turned her focus on fashion design.
“A brand new beautiful racquet, designed by my talented sister, Mari Osaka. Big thank you to Yones for being like a family and supporting me all these years. (PS you can get these racquets and bag on Aug 25),” Osaka wrote on Instagram.
Naomi Osaka set to return to action
After being sidelined for the past two months, Osaka is set to return to action at the Mubadala Silicon Valley in San Jose.
Osaka last played at the French Open, where she suffered a first round defeat to Amanda Anisimova in the first round. Osaka was hampered by an Achilles injury at the French Open and she had to take a painkiller before going out onto the court for the Anisimova match.
After losing early at Roland Garros, Osaka decided to take an injury break and skip the entire grass season. Now, Osaka is set to compete in San Jose, where she drew Zheng Qinven in the first round. But something has changed since Osaka last played as she is now without a coach.
10 days ago, coach WIm Fissette announced he and Osaka decided to end their partnership. “It has been a privilege to coach Naomi since 2019 and see her grow into the Champion she has become. She has inspired a whole new generation to fall in love with the game & to speak up for what they believe in and it’s been incredible to play a part in that journey.
Thank you, Naomi Osaka. I wish you all the best and looking forward to my next chapter,” Fissette wrote on Instagram. It remains to be seen how will Osaka do in her first tournament in two months.
