In Pictures: Naomi Osaka relishes Japan vs New Zealand Rugby test in Yokohama, shows off her commentary skills as she cheers on home team despite loss
Naomi Osaka recently shared glimpses of her time at Yokohama’s International Stadium, where she watched Japan face New Zealand in a rugby match. The 27-year-old showcased her commentary skills while enthusiastically cheering for Japan, despite their 19-64 loss to the All Blacks.
The 2024 season has seen Osaka hold a 22-17 win-loss record so far. Her most recent on-court appearance was at the China Open, where she reached the fourth round but withdrew mid-match against Coco Gauff due to injury.
Osaka later ended her 2024 season due to abdominal and back injuries, which forced her to withdraw from the Japan Women's Open, the Toray Pan Pacific Open, and the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup.
Despite her season ending early, Osaka remained in Japan to enjoy time with her baby daughter, Shai. The four-time Major champion recently attended the one-off rugby match between New Zealand and Japan.
The 27-year-old posted several clips from the match on Instagram, including one featuring New Zealand's ceremonial war dance, the 'haka'. She also shared a clip highlighting her commentary skills as she cheered for Japan.
"I think I would be a really good commentator. He really had him though. We're down bad. It's 12-50 but there is always a miracle, we can make like seven of them in a row. I think we can do this ladies and gentlemen. I see our chances slowly fading. But we were excited for a split second," she said.
Watch the pictures below:
Naomi Osaka offered more sneak peeks of her time in Japan
Osaka is enjoying her time in Japan, as reflected in the series of pictures she has shared on social media so far.
In one of the former World No. 1's Instagram stories, she revealed that Shai takes the lead in their shopping choices. Praising her daughter’s fashion sense, Osaka referred to her as a "fashionista.
"I let Shai pick when we go shopping, and I can’t decide between two things. She hasn’t missed so far Natural fashionista lol," she said.
The 27-year-old also tried her hand at pickleball, but her first shot landed in the net.
Osaka's standout performances this season include quarterfinal finishes at the Qatar Open and the Libema Open, where she was defeated by Karolina Pliskova and Bianca Andreescu, respectively.