Naomi Osaka, a name synonymous with power and grace on the tennis court, has recently captivated audiences at the US Open in New York. Yet, beyond the roar of the crowd and the flash of cameras, a question often arises: where does this global tennis icon call home when the tournaments conclude? While her birthplace is the vibrant Japanese city of Osaka, her journey began in the bustling metropolis of New York City. At the tender age of three, Osaka moved to the Big Apple, a decision that would indelibly shape her path as she embarked on her tennis training. Though her family relocated to Florida a few years later, the imprint of those early New York days remains indelible.
"New York is very nostalgic," Osaka reflected in a 2018 interview, a sentiment that speaks volumes about her enduring connection to the city. During that period, she was based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a stark contrast to the urban landscape that first nurtured her athletic dreams. "When I come [to New York], I always have memories of when I was a kid. Sometimes I walk down the streets I walked down when I was a little kid… Every time I come here, I’m very happy." This deep-seated affection for the city underscores the personal significance of her formative years. It was in that same pivotal year, 2018, that Osaka achieved a career-defining moment, clinching her first major title by defeating the formidable Serena Williams at the US Open. This victory marked a significant turning point, catapulting her into the upper echelon of professional tennis. Her ascent continued unabated; by 2019, she had ascended to the coveted world number one ranking in women’s singles, a historic achievement as the first Asian player to reach this milestone. The following year, in 2020, Osaka solidified her status as a financial powerhouse, earning an astounding $37.4 million, a figure that shattered the record for the highest-paid female athlete in history, as reported by Forbes. This remarkable financial success highlighted not only her athletic prowess but also her burgeoning influence in the global marketplace.
The subsequent year, 2021, saw Osaka reinvesting in the very community that had played a crucial role in her early development. She assumed the mantle of creative and practical advisor for the refurbishment of five tennis courts in Jamaica, Queens. This initiative was particularly meaningful as these were the very courts where she had first learned to play. "As a traveling athlete, the place that always feels like home is Queens and these courts," she shared with the New York Times. Her connection extended beyond the courts themselves, encompassing the broader neighborhood and its inhabitants. "My sister Mari and I spent so much time here as kids, so many hours on these courts practicing, and we really feel a connection to not only the courts but the area and the community." This philanthropic endeavor underscored her commitment to giving back to the roots of her tennis journey.
Despite these profound ties to New York, Osaka’s real estate ventures have primarily focused on the West Coast, specifically the Los Angeles area. She has strategically acquired and divested two significant properties in this region, each with a noteworthy celebrity provenance. While her current primary residence remains a subject of public interest, her past property transactions offer a compelling glimpse into her investment acumen and discerning taste.
A Midcentury Beverly Hills Retreat: A Nick Jonas Legacy
In 2019, a year marked by extraordinary athletic achievements, including her Australian Open victory and a sustained reign as the world’s top-ranked female singles player, Naomi Osaka made her debut in the real estate market. She purchased a meticulously renovated midcentury modern home in Los Angeles from pop sensation Nick Jonas for $6.91 million. Jonas himself had acquired the property just a year prior, underscoring the desirability and swift market turnover of such esteemed residences.
This Beverly Hills residence, spanning an impressive 4,100 square feet, was originally constructed in 1965. However, it underwent a significant modernization in 2015, transforming it into a sophisticated contemporary dwelling while retaining its classic midcentury architectural integrity. The home featured a distinctive flat-roofed profile, a hallmark of the era’s design. It comprised five bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, offering ample space and luxurious amenities.
The design philosophy emphasized seamless indoor-outdoor living, with expansive walls of glass that effortlessly slid open, connecting the interior living spaces to the meticulously landscaped backyard. This outdoor oasis was designed for both relaxation and entertainment, boasting a long, rectangular infinity pool and spa, a striking cantilevered guesthouse, and a wooden pool deck that appeared to hover precariously yet elegantly over the mountainside, offering panoramic views.
Inside, the house exuded an atmosphere of understated luxury. Light oak floors provided a warm foundation, complemented by the rich texture of machiche wood wall paneling. The open-plan living and dining area was anchored by a sophisticated hematite fireplace, creating an inviting focal point. The kitchen was a testament to modern culinary design, equipped with high-end appliances, a central island with a convenient breakfast bar, and minimalist cabinetry devoid of hardware, contributing to its sleek aesthetic. The primary suite was a sanctuary of comfort and privacy, featuring direct access to the backyard and a serene soaking tub positioned to overlook a small, private courtyard, enclosed by gates and verdant greenery.
Osaka’s tenure in this remarkable property concluded in 2022 when she sold the home for $8.7 million in an off-market transaction to tech entrepreneur Milun Tesovic. This sale represented a significant return on investment, highlighting Osaka’s astute real estate decisions. Around this period, reports surfaced of Osaka touring high-end condominiums in New York City, sparking speculation about a potential return to the East Coast property market. Among the notable buildings she was reportedly considering was Olympia, a prestigious 33-story tower situated in Dumbo, Brooklyn. Intriguingly, Olympia also holds a connection to the Jonas family, as Joe Jonas, Nick’s brother, was at the time attempting to sell his unit in the same building for $6.75 million, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of celebrity real estate portfolios. While her acquisition in New York remains unconfirmed, the exploration itself underscored her continued interest in prime urban living.
The Tarzana Mansion: A Lachey Family Residence
In the months preceding the sale of her Beverly Hills estate, Naomi Osaka acquired another significant Los Angeles-area property, this one with a distinct connection to television personalities Nick and Vanessa Lachey. She purchased their Tarzana, California, home for $6.3 million. This Cape Cod-style dwelling, built in 2014, offered an expansive 6,855 square feet of living space, encompassing five bedrooms and a total of nine bathrooms (six full and three-and-a-half).
The heart of this impressive residence was its welcoming, cream-colored kitchen. Adorned with dark wood floors, it featured top-tier stainless steel appliances and two substantial center islands. One of these islands served as a spacious breakfast bar, capable of seating up to five people, making it an ideal spot for casual family meals or entertaining guests. The overall ambiance of the home evoked a sense of cozy sophistication, reminiscent of the meticulously designed sets often found in films by director Nancy Meyers, known for her portrayals of aspirational domesticity.
Adjacent to the kitchen, a family room boasted elegant coffered ceilings, built-in shelving, and foldaway glass doors that opened onto the resort-style grounds. This outdoor sanctuary was a testament to luxurious living, featuring a shimmering swimming pool and spa, a fire pit for evening gatherings, a fully equipped barbecue kitchen, and a dedicated basketball court, catering to a range of recreational pursuits.
Further enhancing the property’s appeal were a sophisticated billiards room complete with a bar, and a palatial primary suite. The suite was characterized by a vaulted ceiling, a private balcony offering scenic views, a cozy fireplace, and a spacious bathroom featuring a pristine white marble vanity. For those prioritizing health and wellness, a separate gym and wellness center were also included, an amenity that Osaka further enhanced during her ownership.
Osaka’s ownership of the Tarzana mansion spanned approximately three years. In 2025, she sold the property back to Nick and Vanessa Lachey for $7.95 million. The couple had originally sold the home to Osaka when they relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii, as Vanessa embarked on filming for the television series NCIS: Hawaiʻi. The show’s subsequent cancellation after three seasons coincided with Osaka’s decision to move on from the Tarzana residence, creating a serendipitous opportunity for the Lacheys to reclaim their former family home. This cyclical ownership pattern highlights the dynamic nature of celebrity real estate transactions and the enduring appeal of well-appointed properties in desirable locations.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
Naomi Osaka’s real estate journey reflects a strategic approach to asset management, balancing her passion for her sport with sound financial investments. Her ability to acquire properties with a proven track record of appreciation, particularly those previously owned by high-profile individuals, speaks to her keen eye for value and potential. The choice to invest primarily on the West Coast, while maintaining a nostalgic connection to New York, suggests a pragmatic approach to her lifestyle and career needs. The Los Angeles area, with its burgeoning entertainment industry and desirable climate, offers both a conducive environment for training and a vibrant social scene.
The consistent presence of celebrity sellers in her property acquisitions—Nick Jonas and the Lacheys—not only adds a layer of intrigue to her real estate dealings but also potentially indicates a preference for homes that have already undergone significant upgrades and are situated in exclusive neighborhoods. This pattern could be interpreted as a desire for turn-key properties that require minimal immediate renovation and offer a certain level of prestige and privacy.
As Osaka continues to dominate the tennis world, her financial standing is expected to grow, likely leading to further real estate acquisitions. Whether she eventually establishes a permanent residence in New York, perhaps revisiting the Olympia tower she once toured, or continues to expand her portfolio on the West Coast, her property choices will undoubtedly remain a topic of interest. Her investment decisions serve as a tangible indicator of her evolving personal brand and her growing influence beyond the tennis court, solidifying her position not just as an athletic icon but also as a savvy investor in the luxury real estate market. Her journey, from the courts of Queens to the grand estates of Los Angeles, is a compelling narrative of ambition, success, and the pursuit of comfort and strategic growth.
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