Naomi Osaka shared a story about her first encounter with Ons Jabuer.

Osaka and Jabeur first met in 2018 at the Citi Open, an ATP premier event in Washington D.C., where Naomi was just beginning to rise as one of the top competitors on the WTA Tour.

Naomi had won her first Grand Slam title at the US Open earlier that year, but still felt like a newcomer amongst many of her peers. However, Naomi has since said that Ons was one of the first people to warmly welcome her and make her feel at home on tour.

Naomi recalls that Ons saw Naomi looking “a bit lost” in the locker room, so she came up and gave Naomi a hug, introducing herself with a smile. Naomi said she was immediately taken aback by Ons’ kindness, and this has stayed with Naomi since that day. Naomi now cites Ons as one of the “nicest people” on tour.

The two have since gone on to become good friends and have faced each other multiple times in tournaments, most recently at the 2021 Miami Open. Naomi won the match in straight sets, but Naomi could be seen smiling and sharing a warm hug with Ons after the match.

Naomi has said that this was her way of showing Ons how much she appreciates their friendship and all that Ons does for Naomi on tour. Naomi wants to make sure Ons knows she is always welcomed and accepted in Naomi’s corner.

The story of Naomi and Ons is a testament to the power of kindness and the importance of making everyone feel welcome. Naomi has become one of the most successful players on tour, but she never forgets where she came from or those who helped her along the way.