Naomi Osaka reveals ‘turning point’ side hustles that ‘reminded me I don’t only have to rely on tennis’
NAOMI OSAKA has revealed how her side hustles reminded her she does not “have to rely on tennis” to earn a living.
The 26-year-old superstar is among one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world and her multiple business ventures show exactly why.
While a big chunk of Osaka’s earnings come from her success on the court, the four-time grand slam champ has started three businesses.
The former World No1 is a cofounder of skincare brand Kinlo, talent agency Evolve and production company Hana Kuma and has endorsement deals with more than ten partners.
The tennis star revealed she spent a lot of time working on these side hustles during her pregnancy in 2023 meaning she did not have to depend on her on-court success to earn a living.
She told The National: “I had to take time off from tennis to have Shai.
“I was able to prove to myself that not only could I excel in the sport I love, but I could also do meaningful things off the court.
“That was a big turning point for me. Forming Evolve and Hana Kuma, developing Kinlo, designing for Nike — it all reminded me that I don’t only have to rely on tennis.”
The Japanese ace has been endorsed by Nike since 2019 where she has created her clothing line featuring her monogram logo that uses her initials and is inspired by the Japanese flag.
In May 2021 Osake set an earnings record for female athletes with £48million in 12 months, according to Forbes.
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But Osaka missed out on tennis action for over a year while she had her daughter.
And her comeback has not been so swift as she crashed out of the Brisbane International in the second.
This was followed by a first-round exit at the 2024 Australian Open.
The two-time US Open champ is now hoping to redeem herself at the WTA 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi as she faces American Danielle Collins in the Round of 32 on Tuesday.