
Source: Matthew Stockman / Getty
Naomi Osaka‘s 2020 US Open championship run was one for the ages for a multitude of reasons.
Osaka put on a masterclass during her run to secure her second US Open title after she defeated Victoria Azarenka in Queens, New York, at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday (Sept.13). It wasn’t just her play that caught the attention of many, but her devotion to stay on message and keep the spotlight on those who were victims of police brutality and racial injustice.
Before each match, Osaka wore masks the featured the names of the Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Philando Castile, Tamir Rice, George Floyd, and Elijah McClain. After she secured her second US Open title, she was asked about wearing those masks and gave a powerful response:
“What was the message that you got was more the question. I feel like the point is to make people start talking.”
What also caught viewers’ attention was her boyfriend, Cordae, formally of YBN (Young Boss N****a), love and support for his tennis bae as he sat in the crowd and watch Osaka do what she does best.

Source: Al Bello / Getty
Cordae couldn’t contain his excitement when Osaka defeated Azarenka, and we don’t blame him one bit.
Of course, Twitter was here for every bit of Cordae’s support and Osaka’s powerful message about her support for Black Lives Matter. You can peep all of the reactions to Osaka’s 2020 US Open championship run and her relationship in the gallery below.
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Photo: Matthew Stockman / Getty
1. Same
I couldn’t be a bigger fan. https://t.co/aIsU4F8HB7
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) September 12, 2020
2. Agreed
3. LOL True
When y’all freshly in love so you ain’t sure if you allowed in the family photos yet. pic.twitter.com/DPgRqkg8m0
— Roy Wood Jr- Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) September 12, 2020
4. We feel you sis.
If you not gone cheer for me and celebrate my wins like Cordae, get from round me. Ion need you. 😂 pic.twitter.com/qBsAS4k7MZ
— Regina George (@DJKMean) September 12, 2020
5. Bingo
Also, What was so good about Naomi’s “well, what was the message you got?” response is, it immediately makes you reflect and ask yourself that question. The fact that it was so spontaneous!! She’s so smart! Love her!
— NoFirstName IndoorHardcourterer (@samstennis189) September 13, 2020
6. We do too.
Congratulations @naomiosaka. I’m so excited for her. Also, can we talk about Naomi and Cordae? I just love these two together. Young black love....Just love to see it ❤️ #USOpen #BlackLove pic.twitter.com/cMZ3fkv2Sh
— Buffy Summers’ stake (@FranTastic_007) September 12, 2020
7. He’s gonna run outta fingers to count on eventually.
I think @cordae is counting how many majors Osaka has won.#USOpen pic.twitter.com/o8mrUlljRD
— tennis gifs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) September 12, 2020
8. We ain’t mad at it.
Cordae was determined to squat.
— Jasmyn (@JasmynBeKnowing) September 13, 2020
I respect it 😂😂 https://t.co/3YhPdSXQqj
9. He caught himself lol
He was about to do a nigga pose and stop himself🤣🤣🤣😂 https://t.co/U0o2FiY2uD
— riodazzoe (@Darionoel4) September 12, 2020
10. Black History
Cordae becomes the first human ever to do the Birdman hand rub during a tennis trophy photoshoot
— giri (@girinathan) September 12, 2020
11. Birdman handrub for the win.
No one:
— Due (@DTennis321) September 12, 2020
Cordae: pic.twitter.com/2EjwlSYhAi