Time, high precision, high performance, but above all therea propensity for action, mental strength, passion. Dear values a day, this year who, in his turns of hands so precise and performing, has found that accuracy mixed with tenacity that Naomi Osaka, champion on clay courts, plays in every match. A communion of intentions, views, values, resulting in a powerful collaboration, which sees the famous tennis player take on the role of the new ambassador of the Swiss brand.
Class 1997, number three of the WTA, Women’s Tennis Association, the first Asian player to hold number 1 in the singles chart, and the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam, the US Open in 2018. Social activist, a passion for fashion born as a child, a grit gained on the pitch, Osaka embodies in every aspect the pioneering vision of the brand to the cry of its famous motto «Don’t crack under pressure».
On the occasion of her entry into the maison’s family, the champion gave an interview, in exclusive preview for vanityfair.it, in which it is told. Between trophies on the field and challenges in life, between future projects and memories, between action and passion.
How did you meet TAG Heuer?
“TAG Heuer has always been on my radar. I knew that other tennis players wore watches and collaborated with the brand. I also remember when I heard the phrase during the Grand Slam or just in commercials Don’t crack under pressure thinking it was a very powerful motto. For various reasons, sometimes, while playing, I repeat things mentally and I remember a couple of games in which I found myself in these words: Don’t crack under pressure. I don’t know if it was a sign, but it was a good moment. “
What is the thing that excites you the most about this collaboration?
«I believe the sharing of many values. It’s nice to be welcomed so warmly by such an important brand right away. I really like to connect intimately to the brands I work with, build something together and feel like a family. “
How do you handle the pressure?
«I would say well, even if sometimes I bump into it. I think I’m harder on myself than sensitive to outside noise. There are obviously a lot of expectations about me, but I’m probably not the only one feeling the pressure. And it might be a little different from what my opponent feels. It is impossible to enter the pitch and feel nothing, but you learn to cope with the sensations. “
What values do you share with TAG Heuer?
“We have a lot in common – high precision, high performance of course – but in reality I mean being innovative and forward-looking. For me it means being curious and getting out of your own comfort zone. I don’t want to be someone who goes with the flow and doesn’t think for herself. It is vital to have your own beliefs and draw on your experiences. As tennis players we are lucky, because we can travel the world and experience so many different cultures. This gives you the ability to open your mind which is essential to keep growing. “
What are you looking for in the perfect watch?
“I am passionate about style and fashion, so I want my watch to match my outfit and to look good in general. I love looking at a watch and letting it inspire my outfit. In this sense I like the important pieces, but also the more versatile and neutral ones, so I’m quite easy to please. “
What is your TAG Heuer watch?
“It’s hard to choose, but I’m using the smartwatch a lot at the moment Connected during my workouts. I love the application and the interchangeable colored straps that I can match with my dresses. And if I need something less sporty, I wear a Aquaracer, very elegant but still impactful. “
Is time important in your life?
“When I was younger it wasn’t, but as I move forward I’m realizing more and more that every second counts … Making the most of your time is definitely a lesson I’ve learned and I’m putting into practice.”
How do you prepare for an important match?
«Physically, I mostly prepare in the low season. During these workouts the body is set on autopilot, so I don’t spend much time on it. Mentally, however, it is a more demanding challenge. Tennis is full of ups and downs and I feel like I learn something from every game. Difficult ones are valuable experiences that ultimately help. The worst is definitely getting to the Grand Slam final. You don’t sleep at night because you think too much until the last minute. In these cases, I usually call my family and calm down. Then I go out on the pitch and I hope for the best. “
What goes through your mind when you take the field?
«Honestly nothing! I just listen to the music and start fantasizing. I don’t have a particular kind of music that I like to listen to before a game, but I always try to choose optimistic songs. “
How do you imagine the future of tennis?
«I am very optimistic. There are a lot of new proposals and this is good for the sport. If you think of the “white rule” of Wimbledon for example, it is automatic to consider tennis a flat sport, but things are changing profoundly. And I think it will be fun. The new generation has a strong voice and is not afraid to use it. He will have a very strong presence off the pitch. A little bit I consider myself part of all this, because I am constantly inspired by the things that happen off the pitch. “
Where does your passion for style and design come from?
“It’s something I’ve had since I was a child. When I was little, my sister and I drew on our long travels. I am very grateful for all the opportunities I have had and the opportunity to learn from all the people I have met. They really inspired me and helped fuel my creativity over the years. “
What does fashion represent for you?
«On and off the pitch, fashion plays a really important role. For me it is a way of expressing one’s individuality. It is empowering everyone to dress differently and communicate something. This is probably why I like to wear clothes that no one has, or go to boutiques and find something completely unique and unexpected. “
Do you have role models in your life?
“I have quite a lot! And this is important because it offers the possibility of drawing different aspects from each of them and building one’s own ideal. My family, of course, will always be my number one point of contact. Then there are other athletes that I really admire a lot, such as Usain Bolt and Serena Williams. “
What do you want people to know about her?
“I’m a person who grew up playing tennis and wanted to be good enough to play on a global scale and, somehow, I did. But what I’ve learned in the last year is that I have visibility and a voice and I want to talk about my experiences and what I think. If you scroll through my Instagram you will see a lot of clothes, beautiful photos or positive things, because that’s what I love. I’m just a person who wants to learn as much as possible, use his voice and share. “
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