Naomi Osaka Exudes Confidence in Surprise Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover

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Sports Illustrated enlisted a champion for the latest installment of its Swimsuit Issue. Well timed with the release of her gripping Netflix docuseries, Naomi Osaka was just revealed as one of the three cover stars for the iconic magazine issue, currently in its 58th year. The 23-year-old tennis star is joined by Megan Thee Stallion, who is now the first rapper to grace the cover, and Leyna Bloom, who also made history as the first transgender cover star.

For her sultry cover, Naomi wore a black one-shoulder Norma Kamali one-piece with diagonal mesh cutouts. The powerful look was paired with statement shell earrings from Beads by Cowrie. In a different shot from her spread, Naomi wears another one-shoulder swimsuit by Norma Kamali, although a studded iteration in nude.

In a press statement, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor in Chief MJ Day said the magazine wanted to honor Naomi's tenacity and integrity both professionally and personally. "We celebrate Naomi for her passion, strength and power geared towards consistently breaking barriers when it comes to equality, social justice and mental health," she said.

Shop Naomi's cover swimsuit — and similar options — ahead, and be sure to check out the full issue when it hits newsstands July 22.

See Naomi Osaka in Sports Illustrated's 2021 Swimsuit Issue
Yu Tsai | Sports Illustrated

See Naomi Osaka in Sports Illustrated's 2021 Swimsuit Issue