What can be more exhilarating for an athlete than the chance to represent their country on the world’s biggest stage? For former number 1 Naomi Osaka, perhaps nothing. The prospect of competing at the Olympics has always been a dream, a sentiment she recently echoed with palpable excitement. However, the road to the Olympics is fraught with uncertainty for the Japanese star.

Naomi Osaka made a comeback to the court after a 15-month-long hiatus. Many eagerly awaited her comeback, hoping to watch her win her fifth slam. She returned with ‘new perspectives’, but despite her best efforts, dark clouds seem to hover over her expectations of the Olympics.

Speaking at the post-match presser after defeating Suzan Lamens 6-2, 6-2, in the round of 16 at the Rosmalen Grass Court Championships, Osaka shared her desire to play at the Olympics. Reflecting on the will of the selectors, she said, “I hope they let me play, yeah. But I would be planning to play.”

The potential challenge for the former number 1 comes from the fact that she failed to make two appearances at the Billie Jean King Cup during the Olympic cycle, a mandatory requirement for players. This is a major setback for the tennis star, who was the face of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and was entrusted with lighting the flame at the opening ceremony. Another factor that keeps Osaka under doubt is her performance in the clay swing. 

Since the Summer Olympics are set to be played on the clay courts at Roland Garros, selectors must be noting the performance of players on this particular surface this season. On clay, Osaka faced early exits throughout the season. Being ousted in the first round of Open De Rouen and the second round of the Madrid Open. Osaka displayed a stellar performance in the French Open, but fate put her against Iga Swiatek, who completed a comeback in their second-round clash.

While Naomi Osaka’s Summer Olympic participation remains doubtful, the stage is definitely precious to her!

When Naomi Osaka revealed her biggest athletic achievement!

The 26-year-old Naomi Osaka was honored with the opportunity to light the Olympic flame in 2020. She carried the rose gold torch resembling the famous cherry blossoms of Japan and ignited the Olympic cauldron. This opportunity, according to the then-Japanese number 1, was her biggest achievement.

She had taken to her X platform to express her happiness, “Undoubtedly the greatest athletic achievement and honor I will ever have in my life.” She added that she was speechless but explained that she was grateful for the opportunity. “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.”

While her Olympic participation remains unclear, the tennis star is currently looking forward to the grass swing ahead of Wimbledon. In her latest feat, she reached the quarterfinal of the Rosmalen Grass Court Championships against Bianca Andreescu. It will be interesting to see if she can do something exceptional to make her comeback season a memorable one!