Osaka plans to stay ‘weird’ in ever-changing career

Naomi Osaka has witnessed a huge change in her career after claiming a maiden Grand Slam title in 2018, but the rising star of women’s tennis will not be changing her quirky personality in media appearances that has endeared her to so many.

The 21-year-old Japanese stunned Serena Williams to capture an emotional US Open triumph last month, before her humble yet idiosyncratic character garnered even more admirers in a slew of high-profile television interviews following that win.

Osaka’s stellar season has seen her rise to No. 4 in the world rankings and also booked her a spot at the season-ending WTA Finals for the first time, a whirlwind ride she is loving as her public profile continues to grow.

“For me, I can’t change who I am. But I’ve been thinking … I wonder that people don’t show their personality versus people that do, like, people will dislike someone no matter what if they make up their minds,” Osaka told reporters yesterday.

“So, for me, I never really thought about changing how I am versus, like, not showing too much.

“Like for example, if I didn’t act as weird as I am, right, if I was just, like, sort of like a robot with the yes-and-no questions, I feel like that wouldn’t really be true to myself or anything.

“So I haven’t really thought about changing my personality. Unless you really want me to. Then maybe I’ll consider it,” she added with a grin.