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Good morning to all new and old readers! Here is your Saturday edition of Faster Than Normal, exploring the stories, ideas, and frameworks of the world’s most prolific people and companies—and how you can apply them to build businesses, wealth, and the most important asset of all: yourself. 

Today, we’re covering Naomi Osaka and her journey to becoming a global icon, overcoming adversity, and using her platform to advocate for mental health and social change.

If you enjoy this, feel free to forward along to a friend or colleague who might too. First time reading? Sign up here.

What you’ll learn:

• How Naomi Osaka's journey inspires more than just tennis fans

• Quotes on authenticity, mental health, and innovation

Cheers,

Alex

P.S. Send me feedback on how we can improve. We want to be worthy of your time. I respond to every email.

Naomi Osaka

Born in Osaka to a Haitian father and Japanese mother, Naomi Osaka faced challenges from the start. Japan isn't known for its diversity. Mixed-race children often struggle to fit in. Her family moved to the US when she was three, seeking better opportunities.

In America, the Osakas were far from wealthy. Naomi's father, Leonard, had a vision. He wanted his daughters to become tennis champions. Inspired by the Williams sisters, he started coaching Naomi and her sister Mari on public courts. They couldn't afford fancy training programs or equipment.

"The blueprint was already there. I just had to follow it," Leonard said, referring to the Williams sisters' success story.

Naomi showed promise early on. She was determined, focused, and had a natural talent for the game. But the road wasn't easy. The family moved to Florida for better training opportunities. Naomi was homeschooled to focus on tennis. She missed out on a normal childhood.

"I don't really have that many friends," Osaka once admitted. "I've never been good at reaching out to people."

Despite the sacrifices, Naomi's skills improved rapidly. She turned pro at 15. Success didn't come immediately. She struggled with consistency and the mental pressures of the game. But she kept pushing.

The breakthrough came in 2018. Osaka won the US Open, beating her idol Serena Williams in a controversial final. Suddenly, she was thrust into the global spotlight. Endorsement deals poured in. She became the highest-paid female athlete in the world.

But with success came new challenges. The pressure was immense. Osaka struggled with depression and anxiety. In 2021, she withdrew from the French Open, citing mental health concerns.

"I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris," Osaka said.

It was a brave move. And a turning point. Osaka became an advocate for mental health in sports. She showed that even champions have vulnerabilities.

Today, Osaka is more than just a tennis player. She's a businesswoman, launching her own agency. She's an activist, using her platform to speak out on social issues. And she's a new mother, balancing her career with family life.

"I have a new perspective and I'm so appreciative that I have this career and platform," Osaka reflected recently.

Osaka's story isn't over. At 26, she's returning to tennis after maternity leave. She's faced setbacks and struggles. But she's also achieved incredible success. More importantly, she's grown as a person.

From a kid on public courts to a global icon. From struggling with her identity to embracing her unique background. From battling mental health issues to advocating for others. Osaka's journey is about more than just tennis or money. It's about finding your voice and using it to make a difference.

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Naomi Osaka Quotes

On authenticity: "I am who I am. I don't try to be anyone else."

On mental health: "It's O.K. to not be O.K., and it's O.K. to talk about it."

On innovation: "I always try to push myself to speak up for what I believe to be right, but that often comes at a cost of great anxiety."

On resilience: "I've learned that every match is a learning experience, and there's always room for improvement."

On team building: "We try to create an environment where she can be herself."

On social responsibility: "Before I am an athlete, I am a black woman."

On customer insight: "I remember being a young player and feeling like there weren't many opportunities."

On strategic timing: "I have a new perspective and I'm so appreciative that I have this career and platform."

On personal growth: "I don't think there's a perfectly correct path to take in life but I always felt that if you move forward with good intentions, you'll find your way eventually."

On legacy: "I always think that my way of doing things, I want to make life a bit easier for the people that come behind me."

Further Readings

• Naomi Osaka: The Inspirational Story of Tennis Superstar Naomi Osaka by Clayton Geoffreys

• Naomi Osaka (Women in Sports) by Matt Scheff

• Naomi Osaka (Biggest Names in Sports) by Diane Bailey

That’s all for today, folks. As always, please give me your feedback. Which section is your favourite? What do you want to see more or less of? Other suggestions? Please let me know.

Have a wonderful rest of week, all.

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