Naomi Osaka Takes a Bite Out of Rafael Nadal’s Iconic Ritual
Naomi Osaka has had an exhausting week on clay, but she found a way to be her jovial self with a light-hearted tribute to Rafael Nadal following her recent title win in Saint-Malo, France. The four-time Grand Slam champion took to her TikTok account to share a playful video of herself taking a bite out of her trophy — a nod to Nadal’s iconic and long-standing victory ritual.
“I’m so hungry I could eat this – Saint Malo trophy,” says Osaka before taking a bite out of the big silverware.
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Taking a symbolic chomp out of his trophies has been one of Nadal’s signature moves throughout his illustrious career. Fans were quick to catch the reference, especially since Osaka’s win in Saint-Malo marked a personal milestone: her first-ever title on clay.
What made the moment even more amusing—and meaningful —was the irony that Naomi Osaka was imitating Nadal’s ritual on the very surface he dominates. Known more for her prowess on hard courts, Osaka’s clay-court success has been a work in progress, making this win and her humorous celebration even more special.
The video quickly made the rounds online, with fans appreciating Osaka’s self-aware humor and the clever homage to one of the sport’s greatest. Many fans commented on how this video was ‘as much Naomi as it gets’, calling her adorable and funny at the same time.
Osaka will look to shift her attention now to Rome where she is all set to face home favorite Sara Errani in what should be an enticing encounter.
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