8 Gorgeous Photos From Tennis Champion Naomi Osaka’s Cover Photoshoot in Malibu

The professional athlete headed to California for 2021 SI Swimsuit Issue feature.

Martha Zaytoun | Sep 6, 2023

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

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Tennis legend Naomi Osaka was one of three women to make the cover of the SI Swimsuit issue in 2021. That year, the 25-year-old took a trip to Malibu, Calif., for her cover photoshoot with the magazine.

Osaka was grateful for the opportunity to join some of the greats, like Beyoncé and Tyra Banks, who she had grown up watching grace the cover of the SI Swimsuit Issue, she shared on set. “It feels really amazing,” she said of joining the ranks of the brand’s cover models.

But as exciting as the photoshoot itself was, the photographer who accompanied her to the West coast was equally thrilling for Osaka.

“Working with Yu Tsai was really fun,” she remarked of her experience with the seasoned photographer. “It’s really incredible to work with him because growing up I used to watch America’s Next Top Model.”

Though posing for SI Swimsuit was “a tiny bit out of [her] element,” the former world No. 1 singles player nailed her photoshoot with the team. Both Yu Tsai and SI Swimsuit editor in chief MJ Day could not say enough good things of the experience with Osaka.

These days, the four-time women’s singles Grand Slam champion is operating at a different speed. After giving birth to her first child in July, the athlete is working hard and preparing for a return to the court. While we await her return, we’re happy reminiscing on one epic photoshoot. Below are eight of our favorites from Osaka’s cover feature in Malibu.

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

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

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

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

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

Naomi Osaka was photographed by Yu Tsai in Malibu, Calif. Swimsuit by Louis Vuitton x Naomi Osaka. Dress by Michael Schmidt. Earrings by Ana Khouri.

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

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

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!

Published Sep 6, 2023

MARTHA ZAYTOUN

Martha Zaytoun is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2023, she worked on the editorial board of the University of Notre Dame’s student magazine and on the editorial team at Chapel Hill, Durham and Chatham Magazines in North Carolina. When not working, Zaytoun loves to watercolor and oil paint, run and water ski. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a huge Fighting Irish fan.