“What she’s done has been my dream for the sport” – Billie Jean King on Naomi Osaka
Follow Us
Naomi Osaka, Billie Jean King
The 12-time Grand Slam champion, Billie Jean King, heartily commended Naomi Osaka for her strides in tennis and for taking a stand for ‘Black Lives Matter.’
Osaka wore a mask with a different person’s name written on it before each match at the U.S Open 2020. The names were of Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, Philando Castile and Tamir Rice. These people lost their lives to police brutality.
The 23-year-old’s stand garnered attention towards the movement. Further, she went on to claim her third Grand Slam title when she downed Victoria Azarenka in the final.
Osaka’s political activism and exceptional display of prowess on the court led to an increase in support for the Japanese.
King’s praise for Osaka’s efforts
Billie Jean King is heavily credited for bringing about the equality that prevails in tennis across the board. While communicating with Osaka for Mastercard, King, 76, drew a parallel between the efforts of the ‘Original 9,’ with that of Osaka’s.
“We stepped up as an ‘Original 9’ back in 1970. It started then. At the time we were scared but we knew we were doing the right thing. And if you know you’re doing the right thing then you just hang in there,” King said.
As reported through Vogue, King stated, “What she’s done has been my dream for the sport,” with reference to Naomi. Billie was highly impressed with the 23-year-old’s showcase of solidarity with African-Americans at the U.S Open.
King added, “She’s fantastic. I love the way she’s using our platform, tennis, as a way to help fight injustice. I’m thrilled with her.”
“I would say there’s something deep about Naomi, period. She looks at you and pauses when you ask her a question. You know she’s considering her answer seriously—instead of just a bunch of tangents like a lot of people her age. When we started the (Women’s Tennis Association) tour back in 1970, we wanted any girl in the world, no matter the colour of her skin, to have a place to compete, to be appreciated for her accomplishments and not just her looks. And to be able to make a living. On top of all that, Naomi is making us focus on the problems we have as a nation. What she’s done has been my dream for the sport,” she concluded.
Stay Updated!
Chhavi Jindal
(404 Articles Published)