“Undoubtedly the Greatest Athletic Achievement”: Naomi Osaka Upon Receiving Rare Honor at Tokyo Olympics 2020
Follow Us
In one of the rarest honors given to any athlete, Naomi Osaka became the first tennis player to be given the opportunity of carrying the Olympic torch at the opening ceremony in Tokyo.
Despite the off-court troubles the youngster has been facing over the past few months, the gesture would bring a lot of positivity to her game at a very important juncture.
Watch this story: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Winning Medals of Glory at Olympic Games
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Currently filled with gratefulness” – Naomi Osaka after carrying the Olympic Torch at Tokyo
Osaka was supposed to play her first-match tomorrow on the Center court. On account of her act at the opening ceremony, that matchup got postponed to Sunday.
What a moment for Naomi Osaka (and the world). #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/9cR5dsHRqJ
— Tennis GIFs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) July 23, 2021
The four-time grand slam champion expressed her gratitude on being given the honor in Tokyo.
Trending
Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers
April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT
“Very Disturbing”: Ex Wife Pilar Sanders Reprimands Coach Prime for “Stupid” Take on Shelomi’s Transfer Portal Decision
April 26, 2024 12:28 PM EDT
Deion Sanders’ Ex-GF Tracey Edmonds Gushes Over Caleb Williams as He Gets Drafted in Bears
April 26, 2024 05:23 AM EDT
“They Won’t Return Phone Calls “-Dale Jr’s Legendary Short Track Star Reveals NASCAR’s Dark Side Amid Diminishing Interest
April 26, 2024 12:56 PM EDT
Draymond Green ‘Disappointed’ In Anthony Davis For Throwing Darvin Ham Under The Bus On Live TV
April 27, 2024 02:44 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Olympics stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“Undoubtedly the greatest athletic achievement and honor I will ever have in my life. I have no words to describe the feelings I have right now but I do know I am currently filled with gratefulness and thankfulness love you guys thank you”, Osaka tweeted.
Undoubtedly the greatest athletic achievement and honor I will ever have in my life. I have no words to describe the feelings I have right now but I do know I am currently filled with gratefulness and thankfulness ❤️ love you guys thank you. pic.twitter.com/CacWQ5ToUD
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) July 23, 2021
Along with dozens of supportive reactions from fans and tennis stars alike, Osaka’s coach Wim Fissette also expressed his happiness over this honor given to the Japanese player.
“Very special and unique moment with Naomi Osaka and the Olympic torch”, Fissette wrote on Instagram.
Evidently, Osaka had a rough couple of months since the French Open fiasco, where she decided to skip post-match press conferences. This decision spun a wide web of assumptions surrounding her and she became an easy target for fans and critics alike.
But, the honor given to Osaka at Tokyo Olympics might dial down the harsh criticisms coming her way. This also could turn out to be a motivating factor for the Japanese player to perform well at the Olympics.
From Naomi’s coach. And his son back home! 😍❤️ pic.twitter.com/aeENJKM3C2
— LaWanda (@lawanda50) July 23, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Osaka hasn’t played a tour-level match since the opening round at Roland Garros. The lack of match practice will definitely be a haunting issue for Osaka to face and overcome. She will face a tricky opponent Saisai Zhung in the opening round.
Australian Gold Medalist Predicts Naomi Osaka to Face Ashleigh Barty in Blockbuster Clash for Gold
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad