Naomi Osaka will not be winning a medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
Osaka’s shocking loss in the third round of the tournament is the latest upset at this year’s Olympic tennis.
On Monday, after hersecond victoryin the tournament, Osaka spoke to reporters about her hopes for winning gold in her home country, where she was featured inFriday’s opening ceremony.
Explaining that standing on the podium “would mean a lot,” she also acknowledged that “it’s a process,” adding, “I know these are the best players in the world, and honestly I haven’t played in a while, so I’m trying to take it one notch at a time.”
“All in all, I’m just really happy to be here,” she continued. “I haven’t been in Tokyo for a couple of years.”
Shortly afterlighting the cauldron, the tennis star reflected on the momentous experience. “Undoubtedly thegreatest athletic achievement and honorI will ever have in my life,” Osaka wrote on social media alongside a series ofshots from the opening ceremony. “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.”
With a video of the moment she added, “Still trying to wrap my head around what just happened, crazy.”
She withdrew from the French Open after she was fined $15,000 in May for not participating in media requirements and press conferences, citing her focus on her mental health.
To learn more about Team USA, visitTeamUSA.org. Watch the Tokyo Olympics now on NBC.
source: people.com
