Naomi Osaka in Race to Become Japan’s Flag Bearer at Tokyo Olympics 2021

The Tokyo Olympics couldn’t take place last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, fans are really happy that they’ll be taking place in July-August this year in Tokyo. This will be a huge advantage for World No. 2 Naomi Osaka, as she’ll be playing at her home.

But the main question is, who will be Japan’s flag bearer at the Tokyo Olympics? Fans suspect that it’ll either be renowned golfer Hideki Matsuyama or 4-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka. Though nothing is confirmed as of now and it could be an athlete other than these two, the probability of it being Osaka or Matsuyama is really high.

Matsuyama recently became the first-ever Japanese professional golfer to win a men’s major golf championship. He won the 2021 Masters tournament and earned a big name. Osaka, too, is not behind and recently won her fourth Grand Slam at the Australian Open 2021 at the age of 23.

Recently, former golfer, Rex Kuramoto, highlighted what it would mean if Matsuyama was to become Japan’s flag bearer. But Osaka is not behind and can overtake the golfer in the race. Fans are also excited about who will get the incredible opportunity to represent Japan in the opening ceremony of the Olympics 2021.

Naomi Osaka in the 2021 season so far

Osaka began her 2021 season in style after winning the Australian Open 2021. She managed to defeat the 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in the semi-finals and looked in great shape throughout the tournament.

But the Miami Open 2021 didn’t go as per her expectations. The Japanese star suffered a humiliating defeat in the quarters against Maria Sakkari.

Osaka will like to continue her form and play some exciting tennis in the upcoming clay-court season. She hasn’t been able to prove herself on clay and will like to do so now. Will Osaka be able to lift her fifth Grand Slam title at the French Open 2021?

Also Read: Naomi Osaka Credits Japanese Culture for Her ‘Manners, Cleanliness, and Sense of Style’