“Waiting for Eight Years”: Naomi Osaka Opens Up on Emotions Representing Japan at Tokyo Olympics 2020

Published 07/26/2021, 2:19 AM EDT

Despite not playing for over a month, Japanese star Naomi Osaka has found her rhythm quickly at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. She is now through to the third round, defeating Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. Following that, the 23-year-old expressed her feelings about playing at the Games for her country.

Earlier, at the French Open 2021, Osaka denied participating in the mandatory media interviews. However, she is now ‘happy’ to talk to the press at the Olympics.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Naomi Osaka ‘Happy’ To Talk to Reporters After Media Boycott

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Naomi Osaka on representing Japan at Tokyo Olympics

Notably, Osaka became the first tennis player in history to light the Olympics cauldron. Moreover, as a home favorite, the Japanese star is now looking forward to winning the biggest prize, a gold medal.

In conversation with US TV, the four-time Grand Slam champion remarked the Games as ‘interesting.’ Additionally, Osaka emphasised that she has been waiting to represent Japan since she became serious about a career in tennis.

“Honestly, it’s a bit interesting. The flag is next to my name no matter what tournament I play, but I feel like the scale of this is much bigger. It’s something I’ve been waiting for for eight years,” Osaka said.

Despite it being her debut at the Games, her performance has been exceptional. Additionally, after the first round exit of Ashleigh Barty, the second seed Osaka has become the biggest favorite in Tokyo Olympics.

Furthermore, the Olympics come with their unique prestige and reputation. Hence, Osaka would go for the gold medal and extend her name in the list of tennis greats further ahead.

Watch this story: Ace Serves and Feisty Forehands: Serena Williams Best Shots at Olympic Games

Who will Osaka play next at the Tokyo Olympics?

So far, the reigning US Open and Australian Open champion has not dropped a set in Tokyo. In the third round, she would take on either Czech Republic’s Marketa Vondrousova or Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu.

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Given the humid conditions, every match becomes challenging to adjust to and then dominate. Since Osaka is coming off with fresh legs, she might not have to face the physical fatigue as others.

All in all, the Japanese star will go above and beyond to find success in Tokyo Olympics. Hence, it would be interesting to see if any player can stop her from her goal.

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Do you think Osaka will win the gold in Tokyo?

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Purav Joshi is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having a degree in Films, Television and Media Production, he guided his passion for writing and journalism into the sport of aces and rallies. With over 2 years of experience as a copywriter, Purav has authored over 500 tennis articles.

“Waiting for Eight Years”: Naomi Osaka Opens Up on Emotions Representing Japan at Tokyo Olympics 2020

Naomi Osaka on representing Japan at Tokyo Olympics

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Who will Osaka play next at the Tokyo Olympics?