Osaka becomes Vogue's latest covergirl

Naomi Osaka may have not competed since she won her third major title at this year's US Open, but that doesn't mean she's taking a break. Osaka has been non-stop — advocating for racial justice, launching her first Nike signature collection and partnering with multiple companies.

It comes to no surprise that Osaka decided to end this week on a high note by becoming Vogue's latest covergirl.

Although 2020 was a somber year, the 22-year-old who was often perceived as shy, found her voice amidst a pandemic and racial tensions in the United States. In the Vogue feature she talks about how many people perceived her as being shy, and how she's using her voice to make a difference.

“That shy label has stuck with me through the ups and downs of my career,” Osaka told Vogue. "But I think people who have watched me grow would say that I navigate situations better, that I’m better able to express myself.”

It's a pretty noticeable difference, Osaka is no longer reserved, she's candid and definitely not afraid to make a joke or two in the press room.

Retired professional player James Blake briefly gave his thoughts on Osaka's growth in the Vogue feature.

"I was especially impressed by what Naomi decided to do because it brought awareness to an international audience. We’ve really seen her grow up before our eyes. When she won Indian Wells in 2018, she was so nervous to speak up. And now, when she speaks up, her voice carries so much weight," Blake said.

Osaka shed light on social injustices by taking a moment of pause at the Western & Southern Open, which happened to be her first tournament back since the pandemic began in March. The WNBA, NBA, MLB, and Major League Soccer all decided on a walkout protest after Jacob Blake was shot in the back seven times by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Osaka would follow suit, but she was the only one to do so in the tennis world.

“I started to think about how I could make an even bigger impact,” Osaka explains. “So then I decided to take a day break," Osaka told Vogue.

Osaka's inspiring decision to withdraw from her semifinal match in order to bring awareness to the on-going battles of racial injustices, sparked tennis' governing bodies to suspend all play that day.

The half Japanese half Haitian player would continue to spotlight these hard-hitting issues at this year's US Open by donning face masks with the names of a Black American victims of violence.

Twelve-time major champion and social activist Billie Jean King mentioned in the Vogue feature that "there's something deep about Naomi," and how different she is from others her age.

"Naomi is making us focus on the problems we have as a nation. What she’s done has been my dream for the sport," King said.

Osaka also opened up about her goals for 2021, the Olympics, family and the different perspective she has on her career in the in-depth article.