Olympia 2021: Naomi Osaka talks about a "necessary" break
Naomi Osaka has returned to the big tennis stage at the 2021 Olympics. And is the focus there. The previously taken break was urgently needed, emphasized the Japanese after her opening success.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jul 26, 2021, 12:38 pm
"I have the feeling that the break I took on the tour was very necessary for me. At the moment I feel a little renewed and happy to play tennis again," said Osaka after her confident opening success at the Olympics Playing against the Chinese Saisai Zheng. The Japanese had withdrawn from the French Open and also canceled the Grand Slam in Wimbledon after a announced press boycott of the world number two.
However, Osaka has now returned to the Olympic Games with a bang. Cover stories on wide-reaching media, a separate documentary on Netflix and now the lighting of the Olympic flame. Yes, Naomi Osaka is one, if not the face of these Summer Games for the hosts. For the shy Japanese woman, who recently spoke openly about depression and psychological problems, a childhood dream is coming true in Tokyo these days: "Playing at the Olympic Games has always been a dream of mine since I was a girl. I watched it on TV and always wanted to be a part of that big moment. "
Focus on tennis
The fact that their last official match was some time in the past only boosts Osaka's motivation, as she emphasized: "It's been a while since I last played an official match. I'm very happy to be back can take part in competitions. " Although the situation around the COVID-related restrictions is of course not optimal. However, one should simply not forget that one is currently in a global pandemic, said the Japanese after her opening success.
Contrary to what the clear result shows, the opening match against Saisai Zheng was a real ordeal for Osaka, as she explained: "I went onto the pitch very nervously because there were many glances on me. It was a bit stressful, but in the end it didn't affect me and I was able to beat a very strong opponent like Zheng. " It is now important to take this good swing into the next round if she wants to make the great dream of Olympic gold come true this summer.
In round two, the second in the world rankings is already waiting for a first real test, the Swiss Viktorija Golubic. This last played an excellent lawn season, first surprisingly at the WTA 500 event in Eastbourne, and then at Wimbledon even sensationally reaching the quarter-finals. Currently, however, Golubic is only in 50th place in the world rankings, it is the first duel with Osaka.