Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka is a self-described introvert who prefers to avoid the media spotlight. But she sure has a funny way of showing it. Weeks after bursting out of her self-induced media blackout by posing for a Vogue Japan cover, the 23-year-old is now front and center in a major Netflix announcement. The streaming behemoth took to Twitter to release a trailer for a three-part series documenting Osaka’s life.
What does it feel like to be one of the best tennis players in the world?
On July 16, @naomiosaka offers insight into the tough decisions and ecstatic triumphs that shape her as both an elite global superstar and a young woman navigating a pressure-filled world. pic.twitter.com/jreQzgk6TJ
— Netflix (@netflix) July 6, 2021
The creatively titled “Naomi Osaka” documentary follows the tennis star over three episodes, beginning with her quick ascent to stardom after winning the 2018 U.S. Open. “I think the amount of attention that I get is kind of ridiculous,” Osaka says in the trailer. “No one prepares you for that.”
Osaka created a buzz in May when she bowed out of a French Open press conference, announced her decision to boycott the media, then ultimately withdrew from the tournament. At the time, Osaka cited her struggles with mental health as her reason for stepping away from the court.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021
“Anyone that knows me knows I’m introverted, and anyone that sees me at the tournaments will notice that I’m often wearing headphones as that helps dull my social anxiety,” said Osaka in a statement posted to her social media.
The four-time Grand Slam champion seems as eager to avoid the media as a Kardashian.
SO INTROVERTED THAT SHE DOES COVER SHOOTS FOR VOGUE AND NOW A DEAL WITH NETFLIX. WHAT A LIL HERMIT SHE IS. PLEASE.
I’m sure this was produced a while ago but the timing is awful