Nissan Names Tennis Sensation Osaki a Brand Ambassador

Nissan Motor Co. has signed Naomi Osaka, who won the women’s U.S. Open tennis championship last weekend, as a brand ambassador.

The carmaker plans to use the rising 20-year-old star in a global campaign to help attract younger customers and promote its electric vehicles. Terms of the three-year deal weren’t announced.

Osaka has been on a whirlwind media blitz this week after defeating Serena Williams to become the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title. Osaka has been praised for her poise and self-effacing demeanor following the victory, which was partially upstaged by Williams’ heated dispute with an official umpiring the match.

Osaka also has inked endorsements with several other top international brands. This includes an $8.5 million deal with Adidas that is said to be the most lucrative ever for a female athlete.

Osaka was born in Japan but grew up in the U.S. Her mother is Japanese and her father is Haitian.