Osaka sees bigger picture as role model for children

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—Naomi Osaka is back at the BNP Paribas Open for her first career title defense, and she got to unveil her champion's mural on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old enters the field as the top seed, and in her second event since winning the Australian Open. She's been greeted on site by legions of fans vying for her attention and pouring out their love and support.

She's still adapting to her newfound fame and status as a role model. In an essay she posted to her social media accounts, Osaka said, "Recently a lot of parents have been coming up to me and telling me that their kids look up to me, those words literally blew me away. I was honestly so shocked and felt this huge responsibility because I remember how important my role models are."

Osaka has famous looked up to the likes of Serena and Venus Williams, and would beat Serena twice, in Miami and the US Open last year. She had a lot to get off her chest before her first match.

"Fast forward a few days and I'm here at Indian Wells, I see all these kids that look so happy to see me and they ask for pictures and autographs... Honestly I wanted to cry because my heart feels so full in these moment and I realize that it isn't just about tennis, it's about inspiring the next generation... I realize I'm literally just a small piece in a very, VERY big picture."

Osaka will play the winner of Kristina Mladenovic and Saisai Zheng. Mladenovic just beat Osaka in straight sets in Dubai.