A new Barbie doll inspired by tennis star Naomi Osaka sold out just hours after its release on Monday (12).
The new doll is part of the Barbie series Source of inspiration and holds a Yonex tennis racket, according to a press release from the Mattel Toy Company.
She wears a Nike tennis uniform and a white hat, and Osaka tweeted that she wore the dress at the 2020 Australia Open.
“I hope all kids are reminded that they can be and do anything,” Osaka said in her tweet.
The 23-year-old won his first Grand Slam title in 2018. The four-time Grand Slam winner is a prominent figure on the professional tennis circuit and regularly addresses social issues such as human rights, racial injustice and mental health during interviews.
Mattel hired designer Carlyle Nuera to create the doll, who spoke of his admiration for Osaka.
“Clearly, Naomi’s athletic ability is unmatched, that’s a fact,” Nuera said in the press release.
“But what I personally admire most about Naomi Osaka is how she uses the headlines on her platform, herself and her voice to raise awareness about social justice.”
Osaka has collaborated with Barbie for the second time since her appearance as the brand’s Shiro doll in 2019.
Earlier this month, streaming video service Netflix released a trailer for its “Naomi Osaka” documentary series, which shows her life and struggles for the public.
“Naomi Osaka,” narrated personally by the tennis player, recounts her upbringing and how her 2018 US Open win turned her into an “overnight superstar.”
The athlete revealed that she “has suffered a prolonged period of depression” since winning her first Grand Slam title in 2018. The Netflix series will air on July 16.
Osaka will return to competitive tennis at the Tokyo Olympics after withdrawing from the French Open citing mental health reasons. She later announced that she had also pulled out of this year’s Wimbledon tournament.
(Translated text. read original In English.)
