Naomi Osaka reveals Takashi Murakami, Yonex collaboration

Even when Naomi Osaka lets her racquet do the talking, her gear has plenty to say. Yonex has served as Osaka’s longtime racquet sponsor, and have often unveiled a limited-edition racquet for the reigning Australian and US Open champion. Celebrating their 75th anniversary, the Japanese brand has taken things up a notch with the Naomi Osaka x Takashi Murakami EZONE racquet.

Osaka, who wore one of Murakami's face masks earlier this season, collaborated with the artist famed for his “superflat” aesthetic to create a whimsical design for her racquet and bag.

Emblazoned with a golden Yonex logo, the 2020 Tokyo Olympian’s equipment will be complemented by two major artistic themes: pink flowers and a bear holding a smiling rainbow daisy.

“[I] was always an admirer of @takashipom so to be able to finally collaborate together is really a dream,” Osaka wrote on Instagram. “Infinite thank yous to @yonex_tennis for trusting me with the vision and because this project wouldn’t have come to life so amazingly without them.”

Osaka will likely debut the new racquet during the U.S. summer hard-court swing, having last played at her home Olympics in Tokyo.