Tennis star Osaka named Nissan ambassador, gives hope to biracial Japanese

U.S. Open tennis champion Naomi Osaka reacts as she hits a ball to Nissan Motor's Senior Vice President Asako Hoshino after a contract signing ceremony at Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, September 13, 2018. REUTERS/Toru Hanai

YOKOHAMA, Japan (Reuters) - Japan's Nissan Motor Co <7201.T> has signed U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka as its next brand ambassador, the automaker said on Thursday, tapping the tennis star's youth, drive and Japanese roots to appeal to younger customers.

The deal further raises the profile of the 20-year-old Osaka, who shot to international fame when she defeated American Serena Williams on Saturday to become the first Japanese player to claim a Grand Slam singles crown.