Michelle Obama "so proud" of Osaka-born Naomi Osaka's inspiring US Open 2020 victory

Naomi Osaka's 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Victoria Azarenka on Saturday secured her US Open 2020 title. With 3 Grand Slam triumphs in her belt, 22-year-old is all set to le tennis. Following her win, Osaka is w third in latest WTA Rankings anunced on Monday. While Japan celebrates Osaka's second US Open title, former first ly Michelle Obama took to praise Osaka-born athlete on Twitter. 

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Michelle Obama is proud of Naomi Osaka's US Open 2020 title 

"So proud of you," Michelle Obama wrote, tagging Osaka by quoting latter's tweet. Osaka was tweeting about her US Open 2020 title, calling it "crazy" in her tweet. While two-time US Open winner dominated on court, her off-court activism and vocal support of Black Lives Matter movement has won hearts. While people debated over sports proving as a distraction over social justice movement and protests, Osaka used it as a motivation to clinch her second US Open title. 

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Last month, Osaka me helines after withdrawing from  Western & Sourn Open. w-third-seeded tennis star withdrew before semifinal with Elise Mertens as a stand against racial injustice and police brutality. “I don't expect anything drastic to happen with me t playing, but if I can get a conversation started in a majority white sport I consider that a step in right direction,” Naomi Osaka wrote in her tweet. Her decision was triggered by Jacob Blake's shooting in Wisconsin, who was shot by police officers in bro daylight while his children waited in car for him. 

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Naomi Osaka masks and BLM support

What started with her exit from  Western & Sourn Open, Naomi Osaka continued taking a stand during US Open. She wore masks with victims names printed on m, wearing seven different names for seven different games. She started with a Breonna Taylor mask, followed by Elijah McClain, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, Philando Castile and Tamir Rice – who were all police brutality victims.

People and fans all over world appreciated her efforts, as it is easy to boycott during first round, but t easy to withdraw before a semi-final. "She has shown more and more confidence about speaking up," said Billie Jean King – a tennis legend and social justice vocate. He ded that while Osaka might appear quiet and calm, she is "internally" on fire and always thinking about things.

However, re have been reports about sponsors being wary of her stand for BLM movement. Osaka, who was born in Japan, moved to USA and was raised re. While she is expected to represent Japan during Tokyo Olympics next year, many people are reportedly t on board with her activism. 

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While Osaka is determined to make a statement, Michelle Obama is a long-time vocate of social justice and has been vocal about her support for BLM movement triggered after George Floyd's tragic death in May. Both Michelle and Barack Obama have since n spoken up about systemic racism in USA, vocating support of BLM movement beyond trending hashtags on Twitter. During her Dear Class of 2020 dress, Michelle Obama spoke about Floyd's brutal murder and how sea of protests are a "direct result of deces of undressed, prejudice and inequality."

(Im credits: AP)