Professional tennis player Naomi Osaka is gearing up for her return to the courts next month, and in honor of the exciting moment—which fans can’t stop talking about—we’re highlighting some of our favorite SI Swimsuit photos of the model.
The four-time Grand Slam singles champion has announced she will be playing in the 2024 Australian Open after welcoming a baby with boyfriend, musician Cordae, in July. She has since returned to training sessions and is an absolute beast when a tennis racket is in her hands. The 26-year-old athletic powerhouse landed the cover of the 2021 SI Swimsuit Issue following her marvelous beachside photoshoot with photographer Yu Tsai in Malibu, Calif.
“What drew us to Naomi was her passion, strength and power geared toward consistently breaking barriers when it comes to equality, social justice and mental health,” SI Swimsuit editor in chief MJ Day shared. “She is wholeheartedly dedicated to achieving the impossible and has succeeded time and again. We are so honored to have one of the fiercest female trailblazers in history as one of our 2021 covers.”
Osaka made her WTA Tour debut at 16 and has dominated the courts ever since. In addition to being an incredible athlete, she’s also slowly making a name for herself as a model and fashionista. Osaka uses her ever-growing platform to speak about human rights, mental health and racial injustices, while also showing off her fashion collaborations with major brands including Levi’s, Frankies Bikinis and Victoria’s Secret.
Below are five of our favorite photos from her SI Swimsuit cover photoshoot.
