Ostapenko and Townsend drew attention when tensions flared following the American’s 7–5, 6–1 victory. After the match, Ostapenko accused Townsend of being “very disrespectful” for not apologizing after a net-cord winner at a crucial moment and for failing to follow standard warm-up procedures.

Reports also suggested that racist comments may have been made during the altercation, though Ostapenko strongly denied those claims on her social media account.

Speaking after her own victory against Hailey Baptiste, Osaka made her stance clear. “I mean, it’s really difficult to say. I think obviously it’s one of the worst things you can say to a Black tennis player in a majority White sport,” Osaka told reporters. “And granted, I know Taylor and I know how hard she’s worked and I know how smart she is, so she’s the furthest thing from uneducated or anything like that”.

Osaka added that Ostapenko has a history of controversial remarks. “But if you’re like genuinely asking me about the history of Ostapenko, I don’t think that’s the craziest thing she’s said. I’m going to be honest,” she added. The controversy has quickly become one of the most discussed storylines of the week, with other players such as Ben Shelton also weighing in.

Ostapenko responds to the criticism

The 2017 French Open champion faced heavy backlash online, with many accusing her of racist remarks. Ostapenko responded in a since-deleted Instagram post, denying the allegations.

“Wow how many messages I received that I am a racist. I was NEVER racist in my life and I respect all nations of people in the world, for me it doesn’t matter where you come from. There are some rules in tennis and unfortunately when the crowd is with you you can’t use it in [a] disrespectful way to your opponent,” she wrote.

A former American tennis pros have joined the growing chorus reacting to Naomi Osaka’s much-debated speech after her loss in the Canadian Open final. Osaka, who fell 6-2, 4-6, 1-6 to 18-year-old Canadian wildcard Victoria Mboko in Montreal last week, skipped the customary congratulations for her opponent in her on-court comments.

Appearing on the Nothing Major podcast with fellow retired player Steve Johnson, Sam Querrey, who reached a career-high ranking of World No. 11 and won 10 ATP titles, didn’t mince words about the four-time Grand Slam champion’s post-match conduct.

“Can Osaka not just act like an adult for five minutes? Just give a nice speech, fake it for a minute and then move on to the locker room. It drives me nuts,” Querrey said. He added: “She is also going to make $30 million, you can’t just shy away from that. Give a decent speech, congratulate your opponent.”

Querrey, though, did acknowledge Osaka’s tennis resurgence. “But having said that, it was a great week for Osaka. She hasn’t been playing great. There have been little signs here and there but to make a final, she can go to the US Open now and make a run to the semis, finals or maybe win it.”

This year, Osaka won the WTA 125 in Saint-Malo, her first tournament below Tour level since 2015, which was her first victory since the 2021 Australian Open. The final at the Canadian Open was her first WTA 1000 final since the Miami Open in 2022.

Osaka apologized to Mboko on social media

During her speech, Osaka was brief and didn’t mention Mboko, who at 18 years old is Canada’s No. 1 player and had just lifted her first title. The youngster had also said that she looked up to Osaka while growing up.

The Japanese star later addressed the issue on Instagram Threads, posting: “I also want to say sorry and congratulations to Victoria. You played a great match and have an amazing career ahead! I realise I didn’t congratulate you on the court. Honestly, I was in a daze and I was so focused on not having the same speech as IW 2018 finals or the Jenny/Jennifer situation that I tried to make my speech as short as possible.”

While the speech has been a major talking point this past week, both Osaka and Mboko are poised to be one of the dark horses in the upcoming US Open, which starts on Sunday, August 24 in New York.

Osaka marked the new partnership with a hard-fought victory in the second round of the Toronto Masters. Facing 13th seed Liudmila Samsonova, Osaka rallied from a 6-4, 5-4 deficit and saved three match points before taking the second set in a tiebreak, 7-6(6), and sealing the match 6-3 in the third.

While it was Osaka’s second match in Toronto, it marked her first under Wiktorowski’s guidance. The Polish coach worked with Swiatek for three years beginning in 2022, a run that included four Grand Slam titles, 19 WTA Tour trophies, and a record-setting 37-match win streak. Swiatek also spent 125 weeks at world No. 1 during their collaboration and captured the 2023 WTA Finals title.

Wiktorowski’s coaching résumé also includes seven years alongside fellow Pole Agnieszka Radwanska, helping her reach the 2012 Wimbledon final, win the 2015 WTA Finals, and rise to world No. 2. He briefly coached Olga Danilovic in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic cut that stint short.

Osaka’s split with Mouratoglou ‘isn’t a surprise’

While Osaka’s decision to part ways with Patrick Mouratoglou surprised many fans, veteran tennis insider Jon Wertheim said the move was expected. Speaking on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast, Wertheim attributed the split to “results and logistics”.

“I don’t think this was a huge surprise,” Wertheim said. “This has been a relationship of less than a year. Osaka has won a fair amount of matches, but not at the biggest and best events”.

Wertheim added that Mouratoglou’s coaching style — widely regarded as motivational rather than tactical — may not have been the right fit for Osaka’s current needs.

“She just took a loss to Emma Raducanu in Washington, her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, was not there. I think some of this is about results and some of this is about logistics,” he continued. “Patrick is also a guy who pumps a player up with confidence… if a player doesn’t have confidence, as Naomi doesn’t appear to have much of right now, I am not sure what the relationship is all about”.

Born in Osaka, Japan, on October 16, 1997, to a Haitian father and Japanese mother, Naomi Osaka moved to the United States at age three. She began training in Florida and turned professional in 2014. It wasn’t long before her talent captured global attention.

Osaka’s breakthrough came in 2018 when she won Indian Wells and later stunned the tennis world by defeating Serena Williams in the U.S. Open final. That victory made her the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title.

Just months later, she claimed the 2019 Australian Open and rose to World No. 1—the first Asian player ever to do so in singles. Two more Grand Slam titles followed: the 2020 U.S. Open and 2021 Australian Open.

A business powerhouse

While Osaka collected over $22 million in prize money during her career, her off-court earnings far surpassed those totals. According to Forbes, she became the highest-paid female athlete in history in 2020, raking in more than $55 million annually through endorsements with global brands like Louis Vuitton, Sweetgreen, and Tag Heuer.

Her commercial success was driven in part by her influence in both the Asian and global markets, with many companies eager to associate with a cultural icon who helped expand the presence of tennis in regions where it had traditionally struggled to gain traction.

Speaking out about mental health

Despite the fame and fortune, Osaka began to experience emotional struggles at the height of her success. “It first happened when I won Indian Wells in 2018,” she said on the Mountaintop Conversations podcast in 2023. “But it happened again when I won the U.S. Open in 2020 and again when I won in Beijing. I remember being in China and just wanting to leave—I couldn’t stop crying on the court. In 2021, I won the Australian Open and felt the same. I realized I needed to do something because I didn’t want to keep living like that”.

“I didn’t know what mental health was. When you grow up, nobody talks about it. Honestly, I think the first time I heard the term was when I withdrew from Roland Garros. It’s not like I had a dark childhood or anything—it’s just that everything in my life was centered around tennis,” she continued. “I would never trivialize mental health or use that term lightly. The truth is, I’ve suffered long bouts of depression since the 2018 U.S. Open, and it’s been really hard to manage”.

A new chapter

In mid-2023, Osaka welcomed her daughter, Shai, with rapper Cordae. The couple announced their split in early 2025. Osaka returned to the WTA Tour in 2024 under the guidance of renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou. While the results have been mixed so far, she continues working to rediscover her top form.

Currently ranked No. 49 in the world, Osaka is eligible for direct entry into most major tournaments. At just 27 years old, with elite-level coaching and world-class talent, she still has time—and the tools—to climb back to the top of the sport.

Despite what one might think, there is not a consensus about who is the greatest tennis player of all time. It all depends, of course, in which way one defines greatness. Is it titles? Is it about impact? Is it talent? Is it a combination of everything? In that sense, many legends and stars have put their arguments on the table. One of them is former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka.

The Japanese star, winner of four Grand Slams titles, said that Serena Williams is the “biggest” thing that will ever happen to the sport, even more so than Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer, who are also considered GOATS.

“I think that her legacy is really wide, to the point where you can’t even describe it in words. Like, she changed the sport so much,” Osaka said in 2022, as Williams retired, according to the US Open official website. “She’s introduced people that have never heard of tennis to the sport.”

She continued, “I think I’m a product of what she’s done. I wouldn’t be here without Serena, Venus, her whole family. I’m very thankful to her. I honestly think that she’s the biggest force in the sport. That’s not intentionally trying to, like, make Federer or Nadal smaller. I just think she’s the biggest thing that will ever be in the sport. It’s just really an honor just to watch her play.”

Apart from inspiring her to play tennis, Osaka and Williams’s stories will be forever intertwined, as the Japanese player won her first Grand Slam by beating Serena in the now-infamous 2018 US Open final. While the match was marked by Williams’ heated argument with strict umpire Carlos Ramos—who had also clashed with Nadal and Novak Djokovic—Osaka dominated from start to finish, displaying incredible focus against the legend.

Serena Williams’ arguments to be the GOAT

Williams has more than enough arguments to be the sports’ GOAT. She won 23 Grand Slam titles, being behind only Novak Djokovic (24) in the Open Era. She also spent 319 weeks as World No. 1, including 186 consecutive weeks, tying Steffi Graf’s record.

During her career, Williams claimed a total of 73 WTA singles titles, including victories at all four Grand Slam tournaments and five WTA Finals titles. And that’s only in singles. In doubles, she won 14 Grand Slam titles alongside her sister Venus Williams, as well as three Olympic gold medals in doubles and one in singles, making her the only tennis player to achieve a career Golden Slam in both disciplines.

Beyond her title count, Williams set numerous records that highlight her longevity and consistency at the highest level. She is the only player to have won at least 10 Grand Slam titles in two different decades, securing major victories from 1999 to 2017. Her 2017 Australian Open triumph was particularly historic, as she won the title while pregnant.

This article references multiple reliable sources to provide accurate and updated information about earnings and career details of the players. The information is current as of December 2024. Sources include:

• Forbes: Annual earnings reports and top-earning athlete lists.
• ATP/WTA Official Sites: Prize money statistics.
• BBC Sport: Career milestones and sponsorship deals.
• The Sun: Endorsement details for top players.

Top 25 highest-paid tennis players

Note: Figures include prize money, sponsorships and estimated endorsement deals.

Top 10 male tennis players by earnings

1. Roger Federer

• Earnings: $1,100 Million+
• Major Wins: 20 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Uniqlo, Rolex, Wilson
• Active Years: 1998–2022

Federer, known as the “Maestro,” has dominated tennis both on and off the court, with earnings from endorsements surpassing his prize money. His partnership with brands like Uniqlo and Rolex set benchmarks in athlete marketing.

2. Novak Djokovic

• Earnings: $970 Million+
• Major Wins: 24 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Asics, Lacoste, Head
• Active Years: 2003–Present

Djokovic, the all-time leader in Grand Slam victories, has combined his dominance on the court with lucrative sponsorship deals. His recent partnerships with Lacoste and Asics have further boosted his earnings.

3. Rafael Nadal

• Earnings: $850 Million+
• Major Wins: 22 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Nike, Babolat, Kia
• Active Years: 2001–Present

Known as the “King of Clay,” Nadal’s consistency on the court has translated into a steady stream of sponsorships and endorsements. His long-term partnerships with Nike and Kia underscore his global appeal.

4. Pete Sampras

• Earnings: $290 Million+
• Major Wins: 14 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Nike, Wilson
• Active Years: 1988–2002

Sampras set the gold standard for tennis in the 1990s, with a career built on unmatched dominance at Wimbledon and the US Open. His sponsorships with Nike and Wilson contributed significantly to his wealth.

5. Andy Murray

• Earnings: $310 Million+
• Major Wins: 3 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Under Armour, Head
• Active Years: 2005–Present

Murray’s career earnings are bolstered by endorsements and his remarkable comebacks. Despite injury setbacks, his determination keeps him among the highest earners in tennis.

6. Andre Agassi

• Earnings: $200 Million+
• Major Wins: 8 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Nike, Head
• Active Years: 1986–2006

A pioneer of player branding, Agassi’s charismatic personality and on-court talent made him a marketing icon, with Nike and Head leading his endorsement portfolio.

7. Stan Wawrinka

• Earnings: $220 Million+
• Major Wins: 3 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Yonex, Rolex
• Active Years: 2002–Present

Wawrinka’s late-career resurgence and Grand Slam victories have made him a force to be reckoned with, both competitively and financially.

8. Jim Courier

• Earnings: $140 Million+
• Major Wins: 4 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Nike, Wilson
• Active Years: 1988–1999

Courier’s dominance in the early 1990s and endorsements with Nike and Wilson solidified his status among the wealthiest in tennis history.

9. Boris Becker

• Earnings: $160 Million+
• Major Wins: 6 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Puma, Mercedes
• Active Years: 1984–1999

Becker’s on-court explosiveness and early success, paired with lucrative endorsements, ensured his financial legacy.

10. Daniil Medvedev

• Earnings: $175 Million+
• Major Wins: 1 Grand Slam Title
• Endorsements: Lacoste, Tecnifibre
• Active Years: 2014–Present

Medvedev’s rise to the top has seen him establish himself as one of the top earners, with significant prize money and endorsement deals fueling his career.

Top 10 female tennis players by earnings

1. Serena Williams

• Earnings: $450 Million+
• Major Wins: 23 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Nike, Wilson, Gatorade
• Active Years: 1995–2022

A trailblazer for women’s sports, Serena’s on-court success and off-court endorsements have made her one of the wealthiest athletes in history. Her investments in startups and equity deals have further elevated her financial standing.

2. Naomi Osaka

• Earnings: $350 Million+
• Major Wins: 4 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Nike, Yonex, Beats
• Active Years: 2013–Present

Osaka has emerged as one of the most marketable athletes globally, with her endorsements often outpacing her prize money. Her influence extends beyond tennis, advocating for social justice and mental health awareness.

3. Maria Sharapova

• Earnings: $325 Million+
• Major Wins: 5 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Nike, Head, Porsche
• Active Years: 2001–2020

Sharapova’s elegance and fierce competitiveness earned her substantial endorsements, making her a standout figure in women’s sports.

4. Venus Williams

• Earnings: $300 Million+
• Major Wins: 7 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Wilson, EleVen, Lacoste
• Active Years: 1994–Present

Venus paved the way for equity in tennis, both financially and socially, becoming one of the sport’s top earners.

5. Caroline Wozniacki

• Earnings: $225 Million+
• Major Wins: 1 Grand Slam Title
• Endorsements: Adidas, Rolex
• Active Years: 2005–2020

Wozniacki’s consistency on the court and charm off it have earned her a fortune in endorsements and sponsorships.

6. Simona Halep

• Earnings: $210 Million+
• Major Wins: 2 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Nike, Wilson
• Active Years: 2006–Present

Halep’s grit and determination have seen her thrive both competitively and financially, with Nike leading her endorsement deals.

7. Angelique Kerber

• Earnings: $130 Million+
• Major Wins: 3 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Adidas, Yonex
• Active Years: 2003–Present

Kerber’s Grand Slam wins and consistent performances have solidified her place among the sport’s top earners.

8. Martina Hingis

• Earnings: $155 Million+
• Major Wins: 5 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Adidas, Yonex
• Active Years: 1994–2017

Hingis was a prodigy whose success came early, with her endorsements reflecting her star power.

9. Victoria Azarenka

• Earnings: $145 Million+
• Major Wins: 2 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Nike, Wilson
• Active Years: 2003–Present

Azarenka’s dominance and charisma have translated into significant financial gains through prize money and sponsorships.

10. Ashleigh Barty

• Earnings: $180 Million+
• Major Wins: 3 Grand Slam Titles
• Endorsements: Fila, Rado
• Active Years: 2010–2022

Barty’s all-around skill and brief yet impactful career brought her substantial earnings and respect in the tennis world.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka didn’t hold back when responding to a troll online who called her a “fluke.” The Japanese player shared a sharp response on her Instagram story directed at that person:

“I just saw someone call me a fluke,” Osaka wrote on Threads. “How is it possible to be a fluke with four Grand Slams, lighting the Olympic torch, beating multiple top 20 opponents, and being close to the top 50 the year after giving birth? You couldn’t even touch one of my accomplishments with her fingernail.”

Osaka later shared the post on her Instagram story with the caption, “Did I lieeeee????” This response came just two days after she had to retire mid-match against Coco Gauff due to a back injury in the Round of 16 at the 2024 China Open.

The 26-year-old star made her return to the tennis court in January after a 15-month hiatus following the birth of her first child and is currently ranked No. 75 in the world. She has faced challenges this year, experiencing several early exits in tournaments, including a first-round elimination from the Paris Olympics.

In Grand Slam events this year, she lost in the first round of the Australian Open to Caroline Garcia, and in the second round of both the French Open (to Iga Swiatek) and Wimbledon (to Emma Navarro). She also failed to advance past the second round in the US Open, losing to Karolina Muchova.

Naomi Osaka is working with Patrick Mouratoglou

Osaka is looking to turn things around ahead of the next season. To facilitate this change, she has hired Patrick Mouratoglou as her new coach. Mouratoglou previously worked with Serena Williams for over ten years. The 2024 China Open marked their first tournament together.

“I think I’m at a stage in my life that I don’t want to have regrets. I’d rather pull the trigger on something and I don’t want to say ‘fail’, but I feel like I really need to learn as much as possible in this stage of my career,” she said after winning the first round.

“I locked my back up during practice earlier and honestly wasn’t sure if I could even play, but I just wanted to try,” Osaka shared on her Instagram story. “Unfortunately, things just got progressively worse during the match. Totally worth it though lol,” she added.

Osaka, who is testing new waters with her partnership with coach Patrick Mouratoglou, started strong and was leading by a set and a break, but Gauff managed to fight back and evened the score at one set each. As the second set went on, Osaka’s movement slowed, and she had trouble with her serve and shots. By the end of the set, which Gauff won 6-4, Osaka decided she couldn’t continue due to the pain.

Gauff, who had her own challenges coming into the tournament, showed concern for her opponent, helping Osaka off the court. “It was a good match up to this point,” Gauff said in the interview afterwards.

“I wish Naomi a speedy recovery. Nobody wants to win a match like this, especially at one set all. Overall, I tried my best. It wasn’t my best tennis. I don’t know, it was just one of those matches where you’re trying your best each point,” she said.

Gauff is trying a new collaboration

Osaka’s injury was the main focus, but Gauff’s recent coaching changes were also important. The 20-year-old recently split with Brad Gilbert, who helped her win her first big titles this summer, including Washington, Cincinnati, and the US Open. After losing in the fourth round of her US Open defense, Gauff decided to try a new coaching team.

Now, she’s working with Matt Daly and Jean-Christophe Faurel. This new setup seems to be working well, as Gauff earned solid wins over Clara Burel and Katie Boulter earlier in the China Open. She is now set to play against Yulia Starodubtsewa in the quarterfinals.

In a world where athletic prowess often overshadows personal struggles, tennis superstar Naomi Osaka bravely stepped into the spotlight to shed light on her mental health journey. The four-time Grand Slam champion recently shared her profound realization of grappling with mental health issues, revealing the turning point that sparked her self-awareness.

In an exclusive conversation on the Mountaintop Conversations podcast, Osaka’s openness about her battles with depression and anxiety during the 2021 French Open resonated deeply with her fans and the broader sports community. Growing up as a young prodigy in the world of tennis, Naomi Osaka admits that mental health wasn’t a prominent topic of discussion.

Her relentless pursuit of greatness on the court left little room to address emotional well-being. However, her pivotal victory at Indian Wells in 2018 marked the beginning of her realization that something was amiss. Despite the glory of her achievements, Osaka found herself engulfed in feelings of depression that she couldn’t comprehend at the time.

A Journey to Understanding and Healing

Osaka’s journey to mental health awareness took a significant turn when she withdrew from the 2021 French Open to prioritize her well-being. She confessed, “I actually didn’t know what mental health was. Growing up, no one was really talking about it. I think honestly the first time I heard about it was after I pulled out from the French Open. It’s not like I had a dark childhood or anything, it’s just that everything was so focused on tennis”.

By opening up about her mental health challenges, Osaka has become an advocate for athletes and individuals facing similar struggles. Her candidness has sparked crucial conversations on mental health awareness, fostering an environment of support and understanding. As a role model for millions of fans worldwide, Osaka’s journey serves as an empowering example of strength and resilience, reminding people that acknowledging vulnerabilities is a sign of true courage.

This decision marked a turning point, as she began to explore her emotions and seek a deeper understanding of herself. Osaka explained, “It got to a point after I won the Australian Open for the second time, I felt I needed to do something about it because I don’t want to keep living this way. I thought to myself, I don’t know what this feeling is, I don’t know how to describe it and I don’t know how to fix it so I guess I’m going to have to live with it for the rest of my life“.

When Naomi Osaka announced her pregnancy, the tennis world was taken by surprise. She explained that she had never considered continuing her tennis career after becoming a mother. However, what seemed like a potential end to her professional journey turned out to be a new and fulfilling chapter in her life.

Osaka shared her excitement for this unexpected journey. While being a mother and a professional athlete simultaneously may seem daunting, she has fully embraced the role and is eagerly preparing to make her comeback on the tennis courts. The pregnancy went smoothly, and after giving birth, Osaka is now dedicated to training hard for her return to the sport she loves.

In a candid conversation on the Mountaintop Conversations podcast, Osaka admitted that she never anticipated playing tennis as a mother. The challenges of balancing motherhood and the physical demands of the sport seemed overwhelming, leaving Osaka with doubts about her future on the tour.

A New Perspective: Redefining Motherhood in Tennis

Naomi Osaka’s journey has redefined the perception of motherhood in the competitive realm of tennis. She boldly states, “There was a lot of pressure I felt. I always had the assumption that if you have a kid, it’s basically the end of your career. I don’t really see a lot of women on the tennis tour with kids.” Osaka’s courage to challenge these preconceptions serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes who dream of balancing family life and a successful sports career.

The prevailing assumption in the tennis world was that having a child meant the end of one’s career, particularly for female players. However, recent success stories, such as that of Elina Svitolina, have provided a glimmer of hope for those considering motherhood while pursuing a professional tennis career. Svitolina’s triumphant return to the top after giving birth has shattered stereotypes and proved that it is possible to be a mother and a successful athlete.

As Naomi Osaka prepares for her highly anticipated comeback, she brings with her a newfound sense of resilience, saying, “I just never really thought if I had a kid, I’d go back on the tour. But I feel like it was a magical moment for me. It just made me think of all the things I love and appreciate and it just made me really want to work hard. I’ve played tennis since I was three and I want to appreciate the time that I can still play”.

It’s never easy to win one of the four most important tournaments in the sport. But that was not something that made Osaka wait for too long since she had her first crown of this level in 2018. That US Open celebration following a victory over Serena Williams made her a new face of tennis immediately.

Mainly given she was able to keep that rhythm the next couple of years. Osaka has now four Majors in her career, being those a pair of US Open and completing that figure with Australian Open conquers. Any time a former champion is not in the draw it raises the concerns as to why that’s the case.

Why will Naomi Osaka not play the 2023 Australian Open?

Everyone was surprised when it was known that she was not going to play the Australian Open this year. That happened in the early days of January, although the reason for her absence from Melbourne was a mystery then. Some connected that with the struggles she had lately in her career for different personal issues.

But that was all refuted with her announcement on Twitter last Wednesday. Osaka told in a lengthy post that she is pregnant. The 25-year-old player added that she won’t play for the rest of 2023. She finished by at least mentioning that a potential return date would be the 2024 Australian Open.