Osaka wants to play at Paris Olympics ‘if they let me’
The Hindu
Naomi Osaka expresses desire to play at Paris Olympics, aiming for medal after returning to tennis post-maternity break.
Former world number one Naomi Osaka said Saturday that she "would love to play" at this year's Paris Olympics if she is granted a spot by tennis chiefs.
The four-time Grand Slam champion may need to go through an appeals process to claim a place after failing to make a mandatory two appearances for Japan in the Billie Jean King Cup during the current Olympic cycle.
Osaka lit the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games in 2021, where she went on to make the third round.
She has since become a mother, returning to tennis late last year after a 15-month maternity break.
She told reporters in Tokyo after helping Japan qualify for the BJK Cup finals that she will play in Paris "if they let me".
"Growing up watching the Olympics on TV, I felt that it was a celebration of sport," she said.
"I thought it brought everyone together and just to be able to be an athlete there and interact with other athletes is one of the funnest things that I've ever done."