Naomi Osaka Features On Cover Of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition

Tennis star Naomi Osaka features on the cover of this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition.

The 23-year-old, as well as excelling in her sport, has become a fashion icon and, in appearing on the cover of the famous magazine’s swimsuit edition, becomes the first person of colour to do so.

The four-time Grand Slam tournament winner, who will represent Japan at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, features on the cover wearing a black asymmetrical one-piece swimsuit with see-through panels, complemented by seashell hoop earrings.

“There’s no question that Naomi is one of the best athletes in the world, and a cover spot felt obvious,” Sports Illustrated editor-in-chief MJ Day said.

“She’s spent her formative years racking up titles and is headed to the Olympics. But we celebrate Naomi for her passion, strength and power geared towards consistently breaking barriers when it comes to equality, social justice, and mental health.”