Top
Naomi Osaka Australian Open 2021
Tennis News

‘Winning an Olympic gold has always been a dream of mine’, says Naomi Osaka


World No. 2 Naomi Osaka said she has “allowed herself to dream” of winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer.

It will be a home Olympics for the Japanese star – who is the defending US Open and Australian Open champion.

“I have allowed myself to dream that dream of winning the gold medal. But it won’t be easy,” Osaka told the ITF.

“And I tend to put my goals realistically and also short-term, and it’s not even July yet! So, I’m going to chill.

“For me, it’s always been a dream of mine. As a kid you wake up and watch your favourite athletes play.

“My most outstanding Olympic memory is just watching (Usain) Bolt run. He’s my favourite athlete, me and my whole family – my dad loves his running, so we would just, like, watch him.

“When I think of the Olympics, what comes to mind is of course the Opening Ceremony, seeing all the people being so happy. I think what I’m most looking forward to being in Tokyo during the Olympics is the atmosphere.

“It’s definitely going to be one-of-a-kind, and it’s something that’s going to be etched into my memory for ever. I’m really looking forward to playing in the Olympics.

“Representing Japan means a lot to me. It’s where I was born, it’s my mom’s home country, and it definitely going to be exciting. It’s one of my life goals.”


By
0

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.