Naomi Osaka paid tribute to fans back home and around the globe Monday as she dedicated her latest Australian Open win to those affected by the 2011 disaster in Japan and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
"I would like to thank everyone in Japan for their continued warm support," she said in a statement through her management company. "Since I heard there was another large quake in Japan recently, I also want to dedicate this win to those whose lives have still yet to be fully put back together following the ravages of the Great East Earthquake and Tsunami."
The March 11 disaster 10 years ago saw more than 15,000 perish. A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck the same region late on Feb. 13, injuring more than 150 people.