Naomi Osaka returned to action this week as she prepares to compete in the 2022 BNP Paribas Open.The Indian Wells Tennis Garden played host to the pre-tournament Eisenhower Cup, in the build up to the main event. Osaka took on eventual winner Amanda Anismova and caught a lot of attention with her match attire.The four-time Grand Slam champion took to the court sporting a North Carolina Courage football jersey with 'Osaka 97' on the back, showing support to the club she staked an investment in last year.Osaka is a trailblazer within tennis but she is also known for her movements off the court as well. The 24-year-old has partnered with a number of high profile companies since she emerged onto the scene. She is affiliated with brands including Nissan, Tag Heuer, and Louis Vuitton. Osaka has also worked with Barbie to create her very own doll, and the popular online game Fortnite has introduced a playable Osaka character.

Investing in the North Carolina Courage is one of her more recent business endeavours. Osaka became the first investor in the club since it rebranded and relocated in 2017.

As an influential athlete, Osaka is passionate about inspiring the next generation. The Courage is one of the world's most recognised women's football teams and is a dominant force in the National Women's Soccer League.

NC Courage hold the record for the joint-most number of league titles wins with two, and they lead the pack for most NWSL Shields won since its inception in 2013.

"The women who have invested in me growing up made me who I am today and I cannot think of where my life would be without them," Osaka said back in January 2021.

"My investment in the North Carolina Courage is far beyond just being a team owner, it’s an investment in amazing women who are role models and leaders in their fields and inspirations to all young female athletes. 

"I also admire everything the Courage does for diversity and equality in the community, which I greatly look forward to supporting and driving forward."

Osaka is one of tennis' leading activists. During the 2020 US Open, she wore face masks displaying the names of seven African American men and women who were killed by police, to honour their names and raise awareness of police brutality.

Osaka has also been very vocal in discussing mental health issues, including her own struggles. In 2021, she withdrew from the French Open after boycotting media duties to take a stand against how press conferences and interviews can impact players' mental states.

The 2018 Indian Wells champion will be hoping to build up her form again and challenge for a trophy in California. Osaka's first opponent will be USA's Sloane Stephens in the opening round of the tournament tomorrow.