Naomi Osaka’s New Netflix Documentary: Release Date, Plot And Trailer
Cover Here’s everything you need to know about tennis star Naomi Osaka’s new docu-series on Netflix (Photo: Getty Images)

The three-part Netflix docu-series will offer an intimate look at Naomi Osaka’s career and personal challenges she’s faced over the past two years

Naomi Osaka is a true champion on and off the court. Currently ranked number 1 in the Women’s Tennis Association, the 23-year-old Japanese-American superstar has rapidly risen to become one of the world’s most remarkable athletes in a few short years. She has won the respect of the global community with not only her achievements in the tennis world and fashion industry as being brand ambassadors for international labels, but also her humble attitude and bravery in speaking up on issues including racial injustice, gender inequality and even her mental health.

And now, Osaka, who has been, and will continue to be serving as a powerful role model and inspiration to us all, is adding another accomplishment to her resume. She has partnered with streaming giant Netflix for a docuseries that will give audiences a rare closer look into her career and personal life, explore her roots and examine her journey of finding her own voice as a tennis champion and rising leader. 

Fans were delighted with the news, as the show, which arrives in the aftermath of Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open in May and from Wimbledon in June to focus on her mental health, will allow them to see the athlete sooner ahead of her return to the court at Tokyo Olympics 2021.

Read on to find out the release date, plot and official trailer of Naomi Osaka’s Netflix documentary—and why you should be watching this new show.

See also: Why Did Tennis Superstar Naomi Osaka Withdraw From The French Open?

The plot

Directed by Academy Award nominee Garrett Bradley, Naomi Osaka’s new self-titled series will feature footage of her matches, home videos, interviews and news clips to tell the story of her two-year journey as she cemented her status as one of the world’s greatest tennis players. The show will also include moments where the athlete began to use her voice on and off the court, from defending her grand slam titles, to wearing masks in honouring Black lives lost to police brutality and racism.

In a statement about her docu-series, Osaka said, "I feel like the platform that I have right now is something that I used to take for granted, and for me I feel like I should be using it for something,” she says about the project. “I believe, instead of following, you have to make your own path."

The show is also expected to explore Osaka’s Haitian and Japanese heritage, as well as her family life, where viewers will be able to witness her unapologetic honesty as she navigates her biracial identity as a young athlete and vocal leader.

“The series is about her journey, the highs and lows within a snapshot of her life, but it’s also about life's purpose, about personal worth, about the courage that it takes to allow one's personal values to inform their work and vice versa,” director Garrett Bradley said. “More than anything, I’d hope people can feel the power of empathy and to feel encouraged to take chances in life, perhaps especially in moments where the stakes can feel impossibly high.” 

See also: Tokyo Olympics: Meet Filipino Representatives Carlos Yulo, Hidilyn Diaz, And More

The release date

Comprising three 40-minute episodes, Osaka’s docu-series will launch on Netflix on July 16 (Friday). Watch the official trailer below to get a glimpse of the new show.  

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