Picture Credit: Twitter
Four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka took to social media to announce the launch of her own Barbie role model doll in partnership with Mattel. Osaka, who is vocal about racial inequality and Police violence stated, “It’s such an honour to be a part of the Barbie Role Model series and to remind young girls that they can make a difference in the world. I want young girls everywhere to feel empowered to dream big.”
Carlyle Nuera, who helped in designing the doll, stated that he admires Osaka not only for what she does on the court but how the Japanese star uses the platforms to speak about social issues. The doll is made to move the body and is made of the attires that Osaka wore in the Australian Open 2020.
How Twitter reacted to the Doll?
Twitter users and fans quickly took to the platform to share their feelings about Osaka's Barbie version. Some users couldn’t find the doll as it quickly sold out.
Recently, Osaka withdrew from the French Open citing the importance of mental health as she did not want to attend Press Conferences. "I communicated that I wanted to skip press conferences at Roland Garros to exercise self-care and preservation of my mental health. I stand by that," she wrote in. "Athletes are humans. Tennis is our privileged profession, and of course, there are commitments off the court that coincide. But I can't imagine another profession where a consistent attendance record (I have missed one press conference in my seven years on tour) would be so harshly scrutinized."
Naomi Osaka will be seen in action in the Olympics this month which is starting from July 23.