Swimsuit

5 Sensational SI Swim Photos of Naomi Osaka in Malibu

The athlete, mental health advocate and mother landed the cover of the 2021 issue.

Cara O’Bleness

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka was photographed by Yu Tsai in Malibu, Calif. 

Though most people know Naomi Osaka as a former No. 1-ranked tennis player and four-time Grand Slam singles champion, around here, we also know her as a 2021 SI Swimsuit Issue cover model. 

The 2020 SI Sportsperson of the Year and proud mom of one traveled to Malibu, Calif., for her brand debut, where she posed on the beach for photographer Yu Tsai. While on location, Osaka donned a number of stunning one-pieces and bikinis, each of which resulted in gorgeous photographs that ultimately earned her a spot on the cover. 

The 26-year-old athlete famously stepped away from her sport in 2022, citing mental health reasons. She and her partner, rapper Cordae, welcomed a daughter named Shai last July, and Osaka has since returned to professional tennis play.

“Believe it or not, I am naturally introverted and do not court the spotlight. I always try to push myself to speak up for what I believe to be right, but that often comes at a cost of great anxiety,” Osaka stated in a self-penned TIME essay in 2021. “I feel uncomfortable being the spokesperson or face of athlete mental health as it’s still so new to me and I don’t have all the answers. I do hope that people can relate and understand it’s O.K. to not be O.K., and it’s O.K. to talk about it. There are people who can help, and there is usually light at the end of any tunnel.”

In honor of her success both on and off the court, below are just a few of our favorite snapshots from the the Olympic athlete’s SI Swimsuit feature in California.

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka was photographed by Yu Tsai in Malibu, Calif. Swimsuit by Norma Kamali. Earrings by Anita Ko. Ring by Khiry.

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka was photographed by Yu Tsai in Malibu, Calif. Swimsuit by MIKOH. Top by Love Label. Earrings by Beads Byaree.

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka was photographed by Yu Tsai in Malibu, Calif. Swimsuit by Frankies Bikinis x Naomi Osaka. Earrings by Taylor Nikole.

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka was photographed by Yu Tsai in Malibu, Calif. Swimsuit by Norma Kamali. Earrings by Beads Byaree.

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka was photographed by Yu Tsai in Malibu, Calif. Dress by Di Pesta. Necklace by Khiry.

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Cara O’Bleness

CARA O’BLENESS

Cara is a trending news writer/editor for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. A passionate writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience in print and online media, she loves storytelling and believes that words have the power to change the world. Prior to joining the team, Cara worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, Cara loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University's School of Journalism.