Naomi Osaka on Masks Honoring Police Brutality Victims: 'The Point Is To Make People Start Talking'

After winning her second title, Naomi Osaka explains why she wore seven masks with the names of victims of police brutality during the 2020 US Open.

Naomi Osaka walks in wearing a mask with the name of George Floyd on it.
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Image via Getty/Matthew Stockman

Naomi Osaka walks in wearing a mask with the name of George Floyd on it.

Three-time Grand Slam tennis champ Naomi Osaka is making bold fashion statements with her protective mask gear, centering social activism sentiment at her forefront in a literal way. 

"I'm done being shy. It's really a waste of my time," tweeted in May. "I could've shared so many ideas by now, I could've had convos with so many different people." Throughout her time at this year's US Open, Osaka put her new lease on life on display, honoring seven victims of police brutality by having their names on her mask. On Saturday, Osaka defeated Victoria Azarenka in three sets to capture her second US Open title. 

- Breonna Taylor
- Elijah McClain
- Ahmaud Arbery
- Trayvon Martin
- George Floyd
- Philando Castile
- Tamir Rice

Naomi Osaka won the US Open and used her platform while doing it. 👏#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/x3vNONC0HR

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) September 12, 2020

After her victory, Osaka was asked what was the message she wanted to get across with her masks. "Well, what was the message that you got was more the question," she responded. "I feel like the point is to make people start talking." 

.@naomiosaka made her voice heard on her way to her second #USOpen title ✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/68KGRr4UVS

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2020

Kind of emotional about Naomi’s win. Black women are trying to heal themselves, their families, their communities, and are still expected to show up and serve as an inspiration all while fighting everyday to prove that we deserve better. We salute you @naomiosaka. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/1ZmSELmtp8

— LaChina Robinson (@LaChinaRobinson) September 12, 2020

Champion of not just self...Champion of those lost. @naomiosaka pic.twitter.com/QUUTUnpZsD

— Wells P (@Wells_P) September 12, 2020

While the stands for Osaka's win were mostly empty, her boyfriend Cordae was in attendance to cheer her on, in a shirt that read, "Defund The Police." 

.@cordae was hype when @naomiosaka captured her second #USOpen title 👏 pic.twitter.com/8eoLtsM9vQ

— espnW (@espnW) September 12, 2020

Cordae supporting Naomi Osaka at today's US Open final wearing a "Defund The Police" shirt pic.twitter.com/BlPWOr3Ff1

— Andscape (@andscape) September 12, 2020

The moments between Cordae and Osaka only became more endearing (and relatable) when it came time to snap a photo. 

When y’all freshly in love so you ain’t sure if you allowed in the family photos yet. pic.twitter.com/DPgRqkg8m0

— Roy Wood Jr aka Snack Turner (@roywoodjr) September 12, 2020

What is this hand rubbing thing her boyfriend is doing ? lol#USOpen pic.twitter.com/dUHVWAJR68

— Tennis GIFs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) September 12, 2020

Cordae becomes the first human ever to do the Birdman hand rub during a tennis trophy photoshoot

— giri 🦪 (@girinathan) September 12, 2020

 

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