Four-time Grand Slam singles champion Naomi Osaka announced she would release her first-ever children’s book, The Way Champs Play, on Dec. 6.
In the children’s book, Osaka shares important lessons she learned as an athlete on becoming a true champion, including kindness, teamwork, doing your best and having fun. The book was illustrated by artist Kamala Nair.
Osaka stated in the Instagram post that the book held a “special place” in her heart.
“I hope this book inspires kids to chase their dreams and encourages them to believe they can do anything they put their minds to,” Osaka wrote in the caption.
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She also stated that the book’s proceeds would go towards her Play Academy foundation. Osaka partnered with Nike and Laureus Sport to create Play Academy to defeat the barriers girls face by changing their lives for the better through “play and sports.”
The Way Champs Play is a recent addition to Osaka’s non-tennis ventures. According to ESPN, Osaka has a production company called Hana Kuma, which is publishing her debut children’s book. She partnered with LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Company to launch the company. She also has a skincare line called KINLÒ. After announcing that she would leave the sports agency IMG in May 2022, Osaka decided to launch her own sports agency called Evolve.
“I’ve spent my career doing things my way, even when people told me that it wasn’t what was expected or traditional,” Osaka told Sportico via email. “Evolve is the natural next step in my journey as both an athlete and businesswoman, as well as a way to continue being myself and doing things my way.”
Many can pre-order the book through Harper Collins Publisher’s website and get a signed bookplate to be placed inside the book.
Osaka is the most recent athlete to create a children’s book, following other athletes like Serena Williams and Stephen Curry.
