
via Getty
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 05: Men’s singles semi-finalist Kei Nishikori of Japan and women’s singles semi-finalist Naomi Osaka of Japan pose for a portrait outside The Kitano Hotel following their quarter-final matches on day 10 of the 2018 US Open at The Kitano Hotel on September 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

via Getty
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 05: Men’s singles semi-finalist Kei Nishikori of Japan and women’s singles semi-finalist Naomi Osaka of Japan pose for a portrait outside The Kitano Hotel following their quarter-final matches on day 10 of the 2018 US Open at The Kitano Hotel on September 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
As the Tokyo Olympic 2020 has begun, players are competing for the biggest honors representing their nations. In women’s, star player Naomi Osaka is dominating the headlines, especially since she is from the host nation and one of the best players in her sport.
Recently, there was an unfortunate update for the Japanese fans. Naomi Osaka will not be featuring in the mixed doubles category at the Olympic Games. There were talks of her partnering compatriot Kei Nishikori. However, after the recent development, one can confirm that they won’t be seen playing together.

via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – The Tokyo 2020 Olympics Opening Ceremony – Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, Japan – July 23, 2021. Naomi Osaka of Japan carries the Olympic torch at the opening ceremony REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Naomi Osaka will compete only in singles
According to the rules, the host nation automatically gets a guaranteed spot to compete in the mixed doubles. Only time will tell who fills in the slot for the Japanese mixed doubles team. However, Osaka will be seen competing in the singles event. On the other side, Kei will be seen giving it his all in the singles as well.
Although there are many absentees in this edition, the event will still feature prominent names like World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. Besides, two-time gold medalist Andy Murray is playing in the competition too.
In the women’s, World No. 1 and recently crowned Wimbledon champion Ashleigh Barty will be seen competing. Elina Svitolina and Belinda Bencic are the other big names that are present too.

via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 30, 2021 Japan’s Kei Nishikori in action during his first round match against Australia’s Alexei Popyrin Pool via REUTERS/Ian Walton
Coming to Nishikori, he has won the bronze medal in the last edition in Rio. He beat Rafael Nadal to get his hands on the bronze medal. However, this will be Osaka’s first appearance in the Olympic Games.
We wish all the athletes the best of luck and hope they can do their country proud. The Tokyo Olympics is being held from the 23rd of July and will end on the 8th of August.
Watch this story: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Others Emotional Moments at Olympic Games
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
No Osaka-Nishikori mixed in #Tokyo2020 https://t.co/URG76BT7m9
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) July 24, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT