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Reuters

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Reuters

Naomi Osaka shocked the world after withdrawing from the French Open citing mental health problems earlier this year. Although the Japanese star isn’t taking part in the ongoing Wimbledon Championships, she will compete in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics later this month.

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Ahead of the biggest attraction of the summer, the World No. 2 made a bold statement in a video released by the Olympics’ official YouTube channel.

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Naomi Osaka believes the definition of an Olympian is changing

Since Osaka turned pro in 2013, she has been a force to be reckoned with. In just eight years, the former World No. 1 has four Grand Slam victories to her name with a winning percentage of 64.4%. In addition, she is only the third player to win her first four Grand Slam finals after Roger Federer and Monica Seles.

Although she was the #2 seed at the French Open, her withdrawal after her first-round victory came as a shock to fans across the world. Despite facing a hefty fine for missing media duties, the Japanese openly spoke about her issues with mental health.

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Hence, her actions throughout her career have some people doubting her credentials as an Olympian. However, Osaka made a statement with a video on the official Olympics YouTube channel by saying that the definition of an Olympian is changing today.

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In the video, she says,?“I don?t fit the box of what an Olympian should be. But I am proof that the definition is bigger than people think… And if we don?t fit that expectation of what people think we?re supposed to be, good. That just means we?re the ones who get to change it.”

READ MORE: Naomi Osaka Opens Up About Her Biggest Fear and More

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Can Osaka clinch gold at the Tokyo Olympics?

Although the Japanese international withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon, she started the year on a high. While her Australian Open victory is five months in the past, the Olympics are in her home country this year.

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She will be one of the key prospects to clinch a gold medal for her country. And while the competition looks tough, Osaka looks likely to bounce back and bring her season back on track.

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WATCH STORY: Naomi Osaka’s Best Moments at Australian Open 2021: From Saving Match Points to Lifting the Title

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Sanket Nair

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Sanket Nair is an F1 & US Sports Author at EssentiallySports. He began following F1 since 2010, which made him an instant Sebastian Vettel fan. His favorite tracks on the calendar include Spa-Francorchamps, Monaco and Monza. When he's away from the keyboard, Sanket enjoys a short drive around town. He completed his Post-Graduation in Sports Management from Jain University, Bengaluru.

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