Exploring Naomi Osaka's unique cultural status, her personality and her prowess on the tennis court, Rothenberg puts his extensive experience as a tennis journalist to tremendous use in presenting a compelling portrait of one of the sport's most influential figures of recent times.

He deftly covers the different strands of her fame in an engaging way. This is, perhaps, a book that will be best enjoyed by tennis fans - the drama of Osaka's first Slam title in a fraught fight against Serena Williams is a particular highlight - there's lots more to enjoy here. Osaka comes across as a complex character and an authentic person, yet one who the author will have you rooting for by the end.

DNF'D because I'm bored. I'm a fan of her as a tennis player so I'll just stick to watching her matches because this reading experience leaves a lot to be desired.

I'm a tennis fan so I gravitated towards this one. I really wanted to read it. I found it fascinating and couldn't put it down.

The first time I watched Naomi Osaka live, I have to admit I was not rooting for her AT ALL - it was Wimbledon 2018, I had queued, and she was playing Katie Boulter in Round 2 on Court 2… as a Brit I had to support my compatriot. However, since that match, I have always wanted the best of everything for Naomi - as the supremely talented tennis player, uniquely placed activist and wonderful mother that she is!

This book tells her story in a compelling manner and is as meticulously researched as I expected from the author based on his previous written and podcast work.

A key highlight for me was Ch. 28 - ‘The Names On Her Lips’ where Rothenburg recounts Osaka’s pivotal 2020 US open campaign. The chapter highlights her on court achievements including her victory in the final to win her third major title, but more importantly gives due space to the stories of Breanna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, Philando Castile and Tamir Rice.

I also admired the reflection on the media landscape in Ch. 33 - ‘Read All About It’ which focuses on Osaka’s decision to withdraw first from press at the 2021 French Open and then from the tournament itself. As a journalist himself, Rothenburg combines respect for Osaka’s decisions, sensitivity to mental health and consideration of the importance of the media to advancing sport - especially women’s tennis in the early days of the WTA. Learning about Naomi’s childhood, and the less illustrious career of her sister Mari, was also very interesting.

The final chapters make me so excited to see Naomi’s return to the tour in 2024!

I recommend this book is essential reading for tennis fans alongside Cristopher Clarey’s ‘The Master’ which focuses on Roger Federer. I think the detail of individual scores and matches included in this one means it would be heavy for less die-hard fans of the sport, but I do think Osaka’s appeal and influence is universal.

I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest feedback. Thank you NetGalley and Text Publishing!

Very interested to acquire this book tennis great Naomi Osaka for our sports section. Much has been said about Naomi from her career to personal life so it will be really interesting to sports fans and tennis fans of Naomi especially to learn more about her,