https://www.scmp.com/rss/330839/feed Naomi Osaka is a professional tennis player who represents Japan. She has won all four grand slam events, and became the first Asian player to be No 1 in the women's world rankings. Off the court she is famous for sparking debate over the mental health of top athletes. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Reuters Reuters Former world ⁠No 1 Naomi ⁠Osaka said she is considering ⁠how best to balance her tennis schedule with motherhood after a 7-5 6-4 loss to Australia’s Talia Gibson in her opening match on Saturday at the Miami Open. Osaka returned to the tour in ‌2024 after a 15-month break following the birth of her daughter and reached the US Open semi-finals last year. She withdrew ahead of her scheduled third-round match at the Australian Open in January due to an abdominal injury. The four-time grand slam... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3347476/naomi-osaka-considering-how-balance-tennis-motherhood-ahead-clay-court-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3347476/naomi-osaka-considering-how-balance-tennis-motherhood-ahead-clay-court-season?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:16 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen has unfollowed her coach Pere Riba on social media, reigniting speculation that one of tennis’s most closely watched partnerships could be about to change again. Chinese fans quickly spotted that Riba no longer appeared among the accounts Zheng follows on Instagram, and the 23-year-old also added a quote from philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche – “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how” – to her profile. Fresh doubts over the long-term future of the coaching... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3344492/tennis-star-zheng-qinwen-sparks-split-speculation-after-unfollowing-coach-social-media?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3344492/tennis-star-zheng-qinwen-sparks-split-speculation-after-unfollowing-coach-social-media?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:00:18 +0000 Agence France-Presse,Reuters Agence France-Presse,Reuters Fast-rising Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko has been racking up a lot of firsts in recent months – including winning the Hong Kong Open – with a clash against the top seed on centre court at a grand slam tournament only the latest. The 19-year-old came through a gripping battle with Denmark’s Clara Tauson 7-6, 5-7, 6-3 on Friday to make the last 16 on her Australian Open debut. It set up a blockbuster showdown on Sunday with world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka – who beat Russian-born Anastasia Potapova... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3340965/australian-open-hong-kong-champ-victoria-mboko-books-sabalenka-clash-alcaraz-gauff-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3340965/australian-open-hong-kong-champ-victoria-mboko-books-sabalenka-clash-alcaraz-gauff-win?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Jan 2026 07:30:34 +0000 Agence France-Presse,Reuters Agence France-Presse,Reuters Two-time reigning champion Jannik Sinner wasted no time in barrelling into the Australian Open third round with a demolition of home player James Duckworth on Thursday, as nature-lover Novak Djokovic strolled through and an erratic Madison Keys did enough to keep her title defence on track. Three players from China were in action on day five. Wang Xinyu made it to the third round of the Open for the first time, but Jerry Shang Juncheng missed out on the chance of joining her and facing Djokovic... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3340802/australian-open-chinas-wang-xinyu-third-round-first-time-djokovic-keys-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3340802/australian-open-chinas-wang-xinyu-third-round-first-time-djokovic-keys-win?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:48:49 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Mandarin pop king Jay Chou will compete for an A$1 million (US$670,000) prize in the One Point Slam at the Australian Open, playing against top professionals such as world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff and Jannik Sinner. Chou announced on Monday that he would play in the event on Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday with a wild card. The One Point Slam, first held at last year’s Australian Open, pits 12 male and 12 female professional players against 24 amateurs – including... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3339720/mandarin-pop-star-jay-chou-take-top-tennis-pros-australian-open-slam-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3339720/mandarin-pop-star-jay-chou-take-top-tennis-pros-australian-open-slam-event?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Jan 2026 09:30:09 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are expected to continue their world domination in 2026, starting at the Australian Open, while Aryna Sabalenka is bubbling with confidence as she chases further grand slam success. The new season gets under way on Friday with the mixed-teams United Cup in Perth and Sydney, headlined by women’s world No 2 Iga Swiatek and men’s world No 3 Alexander Zverev. In Hong Kong, Coleman Wong Chak-lam will be joined by his fellow National Games medallists Wu Yibing and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3338256/alcaraz-sinner-set-elevate-rivalry-sabalenka-chasing-more-grand-slams-2026-tennis-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3338256/alcaraz-sinner-set-elevate-rivalry-sabalenka-chasing-more-grand-slams-2026-tennis-season?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:14:06 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang China’s Zheng Qinwen will resume her comeback at an exhibition event with a difference on the eve of next month’s Australian Open: a tournament consisting of one-point matches. Zheng, who had surgery on a troublesome right elbow in July and has barely played since, will join the likes of Naomi Osaka, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the AO 1 Point Slam at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena. Ten amateur players will try their luck against 22 professionals in knockout rounds, with “rock, paper,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3337646/zheng-qinwen-join-osaka-alcaraz-1-point-slam-australian-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3337646/zheng-qinwen-join-osaka-alcaraz-1-point-slam-australian-open?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:41:11 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer The Prudential Hong Kong Open has added four new players to the roster, including former winner Leylah Fernandez, after several high-profile names dropped out of the event, organisers confirmed on Saturday. The 2023 champion Fernandez will be joined by Tokyo Olympic singles champion Belinda Bencic, 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin and Greek star Maria Sakkari. Earlier this week, Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka both pulled out of the competition at Victoria Park for the second year... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3329518/hong-kong-open-former-winner-leylah-fernandez-among-4-new-faces-after-several-pull-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3329518/hong-kong-open-former-winner-leylah-fernandez-among-4-new-faces-after-several-pull-out?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Oct 2025 09:58:13 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport The Prudential Hong Kong Open is not having much luck when it comes to getting two of tennis’ biggest stars onto the court at Victoria Park, with Emma Raducanu withdrawing and Naomi Osaka breaking down injured, both for the second year running. Raducanu decided on Thursday to shut her season down early after medical issues plagued her time in China during the WTA’s Asian swing, and less than 12 hours later, Osaka pulled out of her quarter-final at the Japan Open because of a left leg injury. If... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3329376/prudential-hong-kong-open-curse-strikes-again-emma-raducanu-out-naomi-osaka-injured?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3329376/prudential-hong-kong-open-curse-strikes-again-emma-raducanu-out-naomi-osaka-injured?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Oct 2025 06:58:50 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Zheng Qinwen has withdrawn from the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen next week, despite reports suggesting the world No 9 had fully recovered from elbow surgery and would play. Zheng was originally named in China’s team to face Italy, just days after revealing she had undergone treatment. And on Monday, Italian website Spazio Tennis said Zheng had completed her rehabilitation at Rennbahnklinik, a sports medicine and physiotherapy centre in Muttenz, Switzerland. But organisers confirmed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3324835/zheng-qinwen-ready-billie-jean-king-cup-return-after-recovering-elbow-injury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3324835/zheng-qinwen-ready-billie-jean-king-cup-return-after-recovering-elbow-injury?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Sep 2025 04:41:54 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Naomi Osaka’s final Labubu at the US Open was going to be Osaka herself. For Osaka, that was the real bummer about losing one match short of the final. “Oh, don’t make me cry, man,” the four-time grand slam champion said during her press conference early Friday morning after her 6-7, 7-6, 6-3 semi-final loss to Amanda Anisimova. “Oh my God, the most devastating question.” Osaka had been toting a different version of the popular plush toy attached to her racquet bag to each of her matches in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3324559/dont-make-me-cry-man-naomi-osaka-rues-missing-out-final-labubu-after-us-open-exit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3324559/dont-make-me-cry-man-naomi-osaka-rues-missing-out-final-labubu-after-us-open-exit?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:00:20 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Naomi Osaka said she felt inspired by her run at the US Open after she lost a gripping semi-final to Amanda Anisimova in New York on Friday. Anisimova, the world No 9 from the United States, progressed to her second consecutive grand slam final, seeing off Osaka of Japan 6-7, 7-6, 6-3 in a match that lasted almost three hours. The American had made headlines for unwanted reasons in the Wimbledon final in July, when she was demolished 6-0, 6-0 by Iga Swiatek, but she showed mental toughness in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3324443/us-open-naomi-osaka-halted-amanda-anisimova-hails-dream-come-true?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3324443/us-open-naomi-osaka-halted-amanda-anisimova-hails-dream-come-true?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Sep 2025 05:41:50 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Naomi Osaka and rising star Alexandra Eala are set to light up the city’s tennis scene in October, after both committing to play in the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open. The 20-year-old Eala’s participation has been confirmed days after she made history by becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a grand slam match in the Open era, doing so at the US Open in New York. Japan’s former world No 1 Osaka is also on a roll, having on Wednesday continued her resurgence by reaching the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3324318/naomi-osaka-alexandra-eala-headline-next-months-prudential-hong-kong-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3324318/naomi-osaka-alexandra-eala-headline-next-months-prudential-hong-kong-open?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Sep 2025 08:06:12 +0000 Reuters Reuters Naomi Osaka returned to the US Open semi-finals on Wednesday with a 6-4, 7-6 win over Karolina Muchova, as the four-time grand slam champion delivered a battling display to underline her resurgence on the sport’s biggest stage. Four years after winning the last of her four major titles, the Japanese 23rd seed, who returned last season after a lengthy maternity break, stretched her unbeaten run in major quarter-finals to 5-0 and booked a clash with Amanda Anisimova. Muchova, who had been on court... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3324259/us-open-naomi-osaka-semi-finals-after-battling-win-over-karolina-muchova?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3324259/us-open-naomi-osaka-semi-finals-after-battling-win-over-karolina-muchova?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Sep 2025 01:44:59 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Naomi Osaka is bringing the Labubu fad to the US Open – all the way to at least the quarter-finals. Osaka has played four matches at the grand slam tennis tournament so far this year, each time toting a different version of the popular plush toy attached to her racquet bag. And she’s won each time, too, including a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Coco Gauff on Monday. At her post-match news conference, four-time major champion Osaka pulled her latest US Open Labubu – a shiny, silver one – from the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3323993/meet-naomi-osakas-us-open-labubus-althea-glitterson-billie-jean-bling-and-arthur-flashe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3323993/meet-naomi-osakas-us-open-labubus-althea-glitterson-billie-jean-bling-and-arthur-flashe?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Sep 2025 03:49:07 +0000 Reuters Reuters Naomi Osaka said using words such as “no education” and “no class” to criticise a black tennis player were among the worst things to say as the debate over a heated row between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko raged on at the US Open on Thursday. Townsend, who is black, overcame 2017 French Open champion Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 in a tough second-round battle a day earlier. But the real tension came shortly after match point, when the pair verbally duelled at the net, with the Latvian repeatedly... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3323624/us-open-naomi-osaka-steps-slam-jelena-ostapenko-over-heated-row-black-player?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3323624/us-open-naomi-osaka-steps-slam-jelena-ostapenko-over-heated-row-black-player?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Aug 2025 07:42:03 +0000 Reuters Reuters Women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka fought off inspired home favourite Emma Raducanu in a cauldron-like Centre Court atmosphere to keep her Wimbledon quest on track, but it was the end of the road for two other grand slam champions on Friday. Sabalenka edged a ferocious contest under the roof after requiring eight set points in the opening set and then roaring back from a 4-1 deficit in a sizzling second. “Wow! What an atmosphere, my ears are still hurting, it was super loud,” a relieved Sabalenka... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3317066/wimbledon-sabalenka-fights-raducanu-alcaraz-marches-keys-and-osaka-crash-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3317066/wimbledon-sabalenka-fights-raducanu-alcaraz-marches-keys-and-osaka-crash-out?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Jul 2025 05:00:57 +0000 Agence France-Presse,Reuters Agence France-Presse,Reuters Naomi Osaka blew a golden opportunity to reach the Wimbledon fourth round for the first time as the Japanese star was beaten by Russian world No 50 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Friday. Osaka was in a strong position after taking the first set on Court Two, but her bid to finally make the last 16 imploded as Pavlyuchenkova battled back to clinch a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory. The 27-year-old is a four-time grand slam champion, but she has not won a major since 2021. Osaka’s four previous appearances at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3317033/naomi-osaka-blows-chance-reach-wimbledon-fourth-round-ben-shelton-wins-55-seconds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3317033/naomi-osaka-blows-chance-reach-wimbledon-fourth-round-ben-shelton-wins-55-seconds?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 13:43:47 +0000 Reuters Reuters After years of having a rather strained relationship with Wimbledon thanks to being “paralysed by fear” at the thought of playing on tennis’s fastest surface, Naomi Osaka feels she has finally found her grass court wings. The Japanese player, who has won all four of her grand slam titles on the hard courts of Melbourne Park and Flushing Meadows, has never found her comfort zone on the green, green grass of SW19, making only four previous appearances during her 10-year professional career. During... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3316720/osaka-ready-spread-her-wimbledon-wings-after-downing-zheng-conqueror-siniakova?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3316720/osaka-ready-spread-her-wimbledon-wings-after-downing-zheng-conqueror-siniakova?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:34:38 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Zheng Qinwen has enlisted the help of a coach who guided Rafael Nadal to 22 grand slam titles, ahead of another shot at a Wimbledon title and a draw that has placed her on a collision course with Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka. The world No 5 has struggled in South London in recent years, failing to make it out of the first round since 2022. On Thursday, the 22-year-old was captured training with Spaniard Francisco Roig, who coached Nadal from 2005 to 2023 and was involved in all of his major... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3316152/wimbledon-draw-zheng-qinwen-turns-nadal-coach-osaka-sabalenka-waiting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3316152/wimbledon-draw-zheng-qinwen-turns-nadal-coach-osaka-sabalenka-waiting?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Jun 2025 11:42:29 +0000 Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka is confident she will play her opening match against Caroline Garcia at the grand slam even though the results of a scan on her abdominal injury were not “fantastic”. Osaka, the 2019 and 2021 Melbourne Park champion, was in tears on Sunday after the injury forced to quit her first WTA Tour final in almost three years. The Japanese player was leading Clara Tauson 6-4 in the Auckland final when she decided she could not go on. “The MRI, it wasn’t... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3294249/australian-open-results-scan-not-fantastic-naomi-osaka-play-melbourne?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3294249/australian-open-results-scan-not-fantastic-naomi-osaka-play-melbourne?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Jan 2025 13:00:09 +0000 Naomi Osaka retired from the final of the Auckland Classic with an abdominal injury on Sunday, a blow to the Japanese star just a week before the start of the Australian Open. Playing in her first WTA final in three years, against Denmark’s Clara Tauson, the four-time grand slam champion called for the physio after taking the opening set 6-4 and pulled out shortly afterwards. Osaka’s sudden withdrawal from the Australian Open warm-up event came as a shock after playing with no apparent problem... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3293483/tears-naomi-osaka-she-retires-auckland-final-days-australian-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3293483/tears-naomi-osaka-she-retires-auckland-final-days-australian-open?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Jan 2025 06:40:44 +0000 Four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka said on Sunday she still had a “deep love” for tennis and was excited for the coming season, believing she can revisit her former glories. The Japanese 27-year-old has struggled for consistency since returning to the court in January this year after the birth of her daughter Shai in July 2023. Her best results since then have been two quarter-final appearances that Osaka called “very painful”. “I think 2024 humbled me, but I think I also grew a lot,” she... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3292663/excited-naomi-osaka-says-deep-love-tennis-keeps-her-going-sport?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3292663/excited-naomi-osaka-says-deep-love-tennis-keeps-her-going-sport?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:00:12 +0000 Four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka set up a China Open last-16 clash with Coco Gauff on Monday while top seed Aryna Sabalenka also marched on in ruthless fashion. Osaka defeated 60th-ranked American Katie Volynets 6-3, 6-2 and faces Gauff in a showdown of former US Open champions in Beijing. World No 2 Sabalenka swatted aside Ashlyn Krueger 6-2, 6-2 and plays another American in 24th-ranked Madison Keys. Former world No 1 Osaka is playing her first tournament under Patrick Mouratoglou,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3280527/china-open-naomi-osaka-sets-coco-gauff-clash-beijing-aryna-sabalenka-marches?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3280527/china-open-naomi-osaka-sets-coco-gauff-clash-beijing-aryna-sabalenka-marches?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2024 08:02:31 +0000 Four-time major champion Naomi Osaka said on Wednesday she “didn’t want to have regrets” after confirming she has teamed up with Serena Williams’ renowned former coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Former world No 1 Osaka, now ranked 73, defeated Lucia Bronzetti of Italy 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the WTA 1000 China Open with the Frenchman Mouratoglou in her players’ box. The 26-year-old Osaka split from Belgian coach Wim Fissette this month as she attempts to return to the form that propelled her to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3279935/china-open-naomi-osaka-wants-no-regrets-after-signing-serena-williams-former-coach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3279935/china-open-naomi-osaka-wants-no-regrets-after-signing-serena-williams-former-coach?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Sep 2024 10:35:51 +0000 Naomi Osaka said her “heart dies” when she loses after her exit to Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova in the US Open second round. The former world No 1 has four major titles under her belt but the second round at Flushing Meadows, Wimbledon and Roland Garros was as good as it got this year for the 26-year-old, who exited the Australian Open in the first round. On Thursday she lost 6-3, 7-6 as she was unable to get to grips with Muchova’s superb serve-and-volley tennis. “It’s a little rough... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3276516/us-open-my-heart-dies-every-time-i-lose-says-naomi-osaka-after-second-round-exit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3276516/us-open-my-heart-dies-every-time-i-lose-says-naomi-osaka-after-second-round-exit?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Aug 2024 04:21:26 +0000 Not all billionaire heiresses go on to become one of the world’s top tennis players – but Emma Navarro clearly has a level of grit and determination few others born in her position could channel. Ranked No 19 in the world, the 23-year-old smashed Naomi Osaka at a Wimbledon match on July 3 – and she’s yet to lose a set yet in the tournament, according to US media. “That’s an atmosphere that could easily overwhelm me, or overwhelm any player, and I spent just a good amount of time preparing... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3269308/meet-wimbledons-rising-tennis-star-emma-navarro-who-hails-billionaire-family-23-year-old-just-beat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3269308/meet-wimbledons-rising-tennis-star-emma-navarro-who-hails-billionaire-family-23-year-old-just-beat?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Jul 2024 16:00:10 +0000 Since her dramatic debut in 2018, Naomi Osaka has conquered the courts with her powerful strokes as “one of the hardest hitters in women’s tennis”, per Business Insider. More recently, she has emerged as a powerful voice for change and mental health advocacy in tennis. After Osaka pulled out of major tournaments in 2021 and 2022, and gave birth to her first child last year, 2024 is the year of her return to the international circuit. The Japanese-Haitian-American made a more than decent showing... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3263156/inside-naomi-osakas-post-baby-tennis-comeback-four-time-grand-slam-winner-who-made-headlines-mental?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3263156/inside-naomi-osakas-post-baby-tennis-comeback-four-time-grand-slam-winner-who-made-headlines-mental?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 May 2024 20:00:19 +0000 It’s been 65 years since Barbie was invented by Ruth Handler. Since then, Mattel has sold over a billion dolls, Barbie has had more than 250 professions, and thanks to Margot Robbie, she’s been given a new lease of life with the Barbie film. The original Barbie sold for just US$3 in 1959 according to Business Insider, but these days the most coveted iterations of the doll are the limited edition Barbies – many of whom have been modelled on celebrities. The latest famous person to get the Barbie... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3257685/10-best-celebrity-barbie-dolls-queen-camillas-new-likeness-follows-fantastic-plastic-tributes-kate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3257685/10-best-celebrity-barbie-dolls-queen-camillas-new-likeness-follows-fantastic-plastic-tributes-kate?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Apr 2024 20:00:13 +0000 Former world No 1 and new mother Naomi Osaka won her first match back after a long break on Monday with a hard-fought victory over Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch at the Brisbane International. The 26-year-old from Japan was on court for an hour and 47 minutes before finally seeing off a gallant Korpatsch 6-3, 7-6 at Pat Rafter Arena. “I was super-nervous, but I was excited to be out there,” said Osaka, a four-time grand slam champion who stepped away from tennis in September 2022, citing mental... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3246863/naomi-osaka-starts-tennis-comeback-win-then-reveals-what-shell-do-differently-after-having-baby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3246863/naomi-osaka-starts-tennis-comeback-win-then-reveals-what-shell-do-differently-after-having-baby?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Jan 2024 05:55:10 +0000 Former world No 1 and four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka has confirmed she plans to return at the Australian Open, as she eyes a busy 2024 following the birth of her first child. The 25-year-old Japanese star appeared at the US Open on Wednesday for an interview with the tournament’s US broadcaster ESPN, after given birth to daughter Shai in July. She last competed nearly a year ago, having announced her pregnancy in January, but will look to gradually regain her form at the start of 2024... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3233730/naomi-osaka-confirms-plan-return-australian-open-eyes-busy-2024-after-giving-birth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3233730/naomi-osaka-confirms-plan-return-australian-open-eyes-busy-2024-after-giving-birth?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:30:09 +0000 The second Grand Slam of 2023 season is coming up next month and tennis fans are eager to see the best players on the court – as well as the best watches on their wrists. For decades, tennis stars have become ambassadors for the world’s top-notch watchmakers, wearing some of the most coveted timepieces to their matches. Here are seven tennis superstars’ priciest watches. 7. Naomi Osaka – Tag Heuer Aquaracer x Naomi Osaka (US$4,050) As an ambassador of Tag Heuer since 2021, Naomi Osaka... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3218297/7-tennis-superstars-most-expensive-watches-ranked-serena-williamss-marvel-inspired-audemars-piguet?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3218297/7-tennis-superstars-most-expensive-watches-ranked-serena-williamss-marvel-inspired-audemars-piguet?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:00:14 +0000 Congratulations are in order for tennis superstar Naomi Osaka, who recently revealed on her social media that she is expecting! The four-time grand slam winner shared the exciting news ahead of the Australian Open 2023, and assured fans that she would be back next year. As we wait for the 25-year-old athlete’s comeback on the court and the maternal ‘fits that she will be sporting, let’s take a look back at Osaka’s major fashion moments off the court. 1. Co-chair of the Met Gala Who can forget... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3207128/6-naomi-osakas-best-fashion-moments-court-tennis-champ-has-deals-nike-and-levis-wore-louis-vuitton?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3207128/6-naomi-osakas-best-fashion-moments-court-tennis-champ-has-deals-nike-and-levis-wore-louis-vuitton?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jan 2023 20:00:13 +0000 Former world No 1 Naomi Osaka has revealed she is pregnant and will be taking a break from tennis until 2024. The tennis star shared the news on Wednesday in a social media post featuring an ultrasound image and a message in English and Japanese reflecting on her journey in tennis and the life lessons she’s gathered. “The past few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find that it’s the most challenging times in life that may be the most fun,” she wrote. “These few months away from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3206486/naomi-osaka-announces-pregnancy-after-withdrawing-australian-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3206486/naomi-osaka-announces-pregnancy-after-withdrawing-australian-open?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Jan 2023 00:53:17 +0000 Wimbledon will allow female players to wear dark-coloured undershorts from next year’s tournament to ease anxiety over playing during their period, the All England Club announced on Thursday. There has been a clamour for Wimbledon to make an exception to their traditional rules requiring players to wear all white clothing. Wimbledon chief executive Sally Bolton said: “We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best. “I’m pleased... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3200026/wimbledon-allow-female-players-dress-code-exemption-over-period-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3200026/wimbledon-allow-female-players-dress-code-exemption-over-period-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Nov 2022 16:56:25 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse High-profile US sports stars and personalities have been named in a lawsuit over deceptive practices targeting investors who became victims of the stunning collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The celebrities helped promote the exchange, which declared bankruptcy in the United States last week in a meltdown that has reverberated across the digital currency landscape and drawn scrutiny from authorities in multiple countries. American football star Tom Brady and his supermodel ex-wife Gisele... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3199888/naomi-osaka-and-tom-brady-among-us-sports-stars-named-ftx-deceptive-practices-lawsuit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3199888/naomi-osaka-and-tom-brady-among-us-sports-stars-named-ftx-deceptive-practices-lawsuit?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Nov 2022 18:55:09 +0000 Former tennis world No 1 Naomi Osaka pulled out of her home Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Thursday after complaining of abdominal pain. The 24-year-old Japanese was set to play Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia in the second round but withdrew saying her “body won’t let” her compete. “It’s an honour to be able to play at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in front of the amazing fans here in Japan,” Osaka said in a statement released by organisers. “This has and always will be a special tournament for me and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3193381/naomi-osaka-withdraws-pan-pacific-open-japan-stomach-pain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3193381/naomi-osaka-withdraws-pan-pacific-open-japan-stomach-pain?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Sep 2022 05:39:40 +0000 A tearful Naomi Osaka retired injured and US Open champion Emma Raducanu fell at the first hurdle as the top women’s players continued their preparations for Flushing Meadows at the Toronto Open on Tuesday. News of the pending retirement of Serena Williams overshadowed proceedings at the tune-up for the year’s final grand slam but there were no shortage of first-round upsets for fans to enjoy, including one by local Bianca Andreescu. Twice US Open champion Osaka, in only her second tournament... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3188373/osaka-retires-raducanu-exits-andreescu-upsets-toronto?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3188373/osaka-retires-raducanu-exits-andreescu-upsets-toronto?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Aug 2022 05:24:22 +0000 Four-time major winner Naomi Osaka wants to simply get back to having fun upon her return to tennis at the Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose this week. The Japanese 24-year-old has not played since her first-round loss to Amanda Anisimova at the French Open in May and sits 41st in the world rankings. Osaka, who missed Wimbledon due to a left Achilles issue, parted ways with coach Wim Fissette last month after two and a half years. The injury is one of many that have plagued Osaka over the past... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3187476/naomi-osaka-wants-have-fun-upon-return-tennis-san-jose?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3187476/naomi-osaka-wants-have-fun-upon-return-tennis-san-jose?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Aug 2022 12:37:41 +0000 Naomi Osaka returns to Roland Garros looking to banish the memories of her withdrawal 12 months ago, but hampered by concerns over her clay-court form and fitness. The former world No 1 pulled out of last year’s French Open ahead of the second round, citing mental health issues. She had been threatened with expulsion and fined by organisers over her refusal to attend press conferences. Osaka then spent large parts of the remainder of the 2021 season off the court and has struggled this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3178296/french-open-naomi-osaka-returns-paris-year-after-quitting-over-mental?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3178296/french-open-naomi-osaka-returns-paris-year-after-quitting-over-mental?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 May 2022 03:30:24 +0000 Naomi Osaka cried tears of joy after reaching the Miami Open final for the first time before her mind turned towards something else. The Japanese star has ridden an emotional roller coaster recently and after a heckler deeply upset her in Indian Wells, on Thursday night in south Florida Osaka couldn’t keep the smile off her face. A 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over Olympic champion Belinda Bencic took the four time grand slam champion into Saturday’s final where she will meet the in-form, new world No 1... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3172709/naomi-osaka-reduced-tears-again-time-ones-joy-she-rallies-past-bencic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3172709/naomi-osaka-reduced-tears-again-time-ones-joy-she-rallies-past-bencic?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Apr 2022 05:00:18 +0000 Nina Dobrev and Shaun White are the latest A-list star and Olympic athlete “it ” couple – but they’re just the latest in a long tradition in Hollywood history. Here are 14 more examples of when the celebrities of sport and showbiz saw their stars align. 1. Olympic snowboarder Shaun White and Love Hard actress Nina Dobrev White, a three-time Olympic gold medallist, and Dobrev made their Instagram debut as a couple in May 2020, with Dobrev giving White a Covid-appropriate at-home haircut. “I am... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3167417/15-celebrities-who-dated-olympic-athletes-nina-dobrev-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3167417/15-celebrities-who-dated-olympic-athletes-nina-dobrev-and?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Feb 2022 19:00:09 +0000 John McEnroe has questioned Naomi Osaka’s attitude after her shock early exit from the Australian Open on Friday night. The four-times grand slam champion, who returned to action in January from a four-month absence because of mental health issues, was beaten 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (10-5) by unseeded American Amanda Anisimova in the third round. “It’s a tough one for Osaka, we’ll see how she reacts to it,” former world No 1 McEnroe told Eurosport. “Osaka’s in an extremely difficult position that in some... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3164311/australian-open-john-mcenroe-questions-naomi-osakas-attitude-says-shes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3164311/australian-open-john-mcenroe-questions-naomi-osakas-attitude-says-shes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Jan 2022 14:45:13 +0000 Reigning Australian Open women’s singles champion Naomi Osaka is back to her physical and psychological best after a mental health-related hiatus from the sport, according to her personal trainer Yutaka Nakamura. After failing to defend her US Open title last year, the 24-year-old Japanese star tearfully announced post-event she had fallen out of love with the sport. The former world No 1 had been criticised after withdrawing from last year’s French Open having been fined for skipping media... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3163523/naomi-osaka-australian-open-champ-back-and-has-really-stepped-coach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3163523/naomi-osaka-australian-open-champ-back-and-has-really-stepped-coach?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Jan 2022 09:19:10 +0000 Naomi Osaka opened up on how she regained her “feeling of love” for tennis during her four-month break from the sport, after returning with a win ahead of the Australian Open. The four-time grand slam champion kicked off preparations for her title defence with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win over France’s Alize Cornet on Rod Laver Arena, and will next face Maryna Zanevska in the round of 16. It was the 24-year-old Japanese star’s first outing since a third-round exit at the US Open, which followed a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3162290/naomi-osaka-cared-too-much-about-results-and-rankings-now-her-only?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3162290/naomi-osaka-cared-too-much-about-results-and-rankings-now-her-only?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Jan 2022 17:43:27 +0000 The head of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) on Wednesday said he was increasingly concerned about the well-being of Chinese tennis pro Peng Shuai and doubted the legitimacy of an email purportedly written by Peng and released by Chinese state media. “The statement released today by Chinese state media concerning Peng Shuai only raises my concerns as to her safety and whereabouts,” Steve Simon, WTA chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “I have a hard time believing that Peng Shuai actually... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3156449/womens-tennis-association-casts-doubt-purported-peng-shuai-email?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3156449/womens-tennis-association-casts-doubt-purported-peng-shuai-email?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Nov 2021 22:50:53 +0000 Overnight tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has an estimated net worth of US$6 million after leaping from a world ranking of 365 in April, to No 22 by September, after winning the US Open women’s singles. At the age of 18, she has already landed multimillion-dollar deals with luxury brands including Tiffany & Co. It’s clearly not going to stop there, but how big can she really get? Here’s why the young Brit is already being tipped to become first female billionaire sportswoman in the world … What’s... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3152507/will-emma-raducanu-become-first-billionaire-sportswoman?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3152507/will-emma-raducanu-become-first-billionaire-sportswoman?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Oct 2021 21:00:18 +0000 Barbie isn’t just a pretty face – she’s also become a champion of girl power, a figure employed to celebrate some of the most iconic women of our time. Recently, manufacturer Mattel broke with the past by releasing a line of dolls to commemorate frontline workers during the pandemic, including the woman who co-created the AstraZeneca vaccine. Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s ‘Palace of Secrets’, The Carlyle Professor Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at Oxford University, is one of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3151943/13-barbie-dolls-honouring-inspiring-women-pop-icons-cher?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3151943/13-barbie-dolls-honouring-inspiring-women-pop-icons-cher?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Oct 2021 18:00:25 +0000 She’s a four-time grand slam singles winner, Forbes’ “highest-paid female athlete ever”, and made history as the first Asian player to rank No 1 in the singles by the World Tennis Association. She has also garnered the respect of the global community not only for her athletic ability, but also for being vulnerable about mental health. Which celebrities renounced their Chinese citizenships? Naomi Osaka has also been dating rapper bae Cordae for about two years. But just who is the other half of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3151265/who-naomi-osakas-boyfriend-meet-cordae-grammy-nominated?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3151265/who-naomi-osakas-boyfriend-meet-cordae-grammy-nominated?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Oct 2021 00:00:23 +0000 Ashleigh Barty’s decision to pull out of the Indian Wells tournament has cast doubt over her involvement in the season ending WTA Finals and given a sliver of hope that US Open singles champion Emma Raducanu might see off her breakout year in style. The world No 1 is one of three players to have already qualified for the finale, which will take place in Guadalajara, Mexico in November. Last week the WTA announced that Barty was joined by world No 2 Aryna Sabalenka and French Open winner Barbora... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3150434/ashleigh-bartys-indian-wells-decision-could-help-emma-raducanu-wta?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3150434/ashleigh-bartys-indian-wells-decision-could-help-emma-raducanu-wta?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Sep 2021 09:41:19 +0000