Two of the most successful Black women in women’s tennis, Naomi Osaka and Taylor Townsend, recently held a dinner for Black players in the largely white sport in conjunction with the French Open. While many of those in attendance celebrated the chance to come together in a welcoming space, Osaka has taken to social media to respond to critics.

Osaka and Townsend host ‘Black Party’ during French Open

Four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka and two-time Grand Slam doubles winner Taylor Townsend recently hosted an exclusive dinner in France for Black professional tennis players. The event, called the “Black Party (Roland Garros ‘RG’ Edition),” was held in conjunction with the ongoing French Open Grand Slam tournament. Guests at the dinner included Coco Gauff, the reigning French Open women’s champion, and pioneering French player Gaël Monfils, currently playing his final season before retirement. Townsend said of the dinner, “It’s important for us to come together because this sport is naturally very isolating and selfish. I feel like it’s important to break that mold, support each other outside of the sport and away from the courts, and build genuine friendships that last beyond the court.”

Osaka defends event against critics

While the players involved found the event meaningful, online trolls attacked the event. Osaka responded to criticism in a long social media post. “First of all I do love everyone for who they are no matter their race + ethnicity, (I’m literally half Japanese lol),” Osaka wrote. She noted that “growing up as a tennis player I didn’t see many people that looked like ME and I feel like it’s important to celebrate them.” She also countered the accusation that an all-white tennis event would be condemned. “Secondly I feel like it’s important to note that there have been all white dinners/parties,” she explained. “I don’t know how else to tell you this, I literally seen them all the time and never had an issue with it at all.” She questioned the motives of her critics. “To the people who ask this question I want to ask you this question too, ‘What is it about POC getting together that unsettles you so much?’”

Standing up for Black players in tennis

Osaka has been vocal about mental health issues, including her own challenges, while often facing harsh criticism. Osaka, who is of both Black American and Japanese descent, has also defended other Black players in the predominantly white sport. In 2025, Osaka stood up for Taylor after an incident in which a white player who lost to Taylor verbally attacked her as having “no education” and “no class.” Osaka called out Latvian player Jelena Ostapenko for her insults, saying, “Obviously, it’s one of the worst things that you can say to a Black tennis player in a majority white sport.”