Naomi Osaka is one of the most beloved stars on the WTA Tour, receiving constant support from her fans all around the world. No matter whether she is lifting major titles or suffering with inconsistent form, the arena is always filled entirely to support the former world No. 1.
Recently, she received an unusual request from one of her fans that blew her away, and she shared it on her Instagram story.
Naomi Osaka’s ‘Biggest’ Fan Makes Unorthodox Request at Indian Wells
Since making her WTA main draw debut in 2014, Osaka has captivated fans with her on-court prowess. She was voted the 2016 WTA Newcomer of the Year and has since achieved significant success. The Japanese lifted her first Grand Slam trophy in New York in 2018, defeating Serena Williams in straight sets, and went on to lift three more major titles, two in Melbourne and one more in New York.
Osaka stepped away from the WTA Tour due to maternity leave in early January 2023 after announcing she and her ex-boyfriend Cordae were expecting their first child together. She withdrew from the year’s first Grand Slam just days before the main draw and gave birth to her daughter, Shai, in July that same year, who is Osaka’s biggest supporter.
She has also openly talked about her mental health struggles, including depression following her 2018 US Open win. The 28-year-old faced severe anxiety from media interactions, leading to panic attacks and a loss of joy following her victories. To focus on her mental health, she withdrew from the 2021 Roland Garros, skipping press conferences due to anxiety issues.
Being such a big icon in the sport, the Japanese has a massive fan following, who sometimes shock the champion, as happened recently in Indian Wells. While meeting her fans, one fan asked Osaka to sign her chest so she could get it tattooed.
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The Japanese shared this incident on her Instagram story, writing, “First time ever getting this request. I was so in shock and honored. Very grateful for all the love❤️ thank you!”
This message from the four-time Grand Slam Champion shows just how much the fans love her and how she honors them by listening to their requests. Before signing her chest, Osaka asked multiple times if the fan was sure that she wanted to get her chest tattooed with her autograph, making sure she was not taking this decision in a rush.
Osaka’s 2026 Indian Wells Campaign
Osaka began the 2026 season by returning to Melbourne, where she has already lifted the title twice in 2019 and 2021. She cruised past her first and second round opponents with ease, but was forced to withdraw before her third round match against Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis due to a recurring left abdominal injury.
She then returned to the Tennis Paradise in March, receiving a bye in the first round as the 16th seed. She defeated the Andorran star Victoria Jiménez Kasintseva in the second round, defeating her 7-5, 6-2 with ease. She then faced Colombian sensation Camila Osorio in the third-round match, who proved a tough challenge for the Japanese.
However, she overcame the 24-year-old 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 to set up a high-octane clash with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the Round of 16. Despite being in strong form, the Japanese couldn’t stand up to the eventual champion, exiting the tournament where she once lifted the trophy back in 2018.
Osaka will now travel to Florida to compete in the 2026 Miami Open, another WTA 1000 tournament. She is again the 16th seed in Miami and will step into her Round of 64 match on Wednesday, March 18, looking forward to lifting her eighth WTA title.
