'I'll Play If They Let Me': Osaka On Representing Japan At Olympics

WTA
Tuesday, 13 February 2024 at 04:45
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Naomi Osaka confirmed that she would like to play at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris if she can.

The four-time major champion returned to tennis earlier this year and looks very serious about her comeback. The last time we saw Osaka play before this comeback was at a time when she looked uncertain about her career.

Stepping away from the sport for a long time seemed to have helped her a lot, as she returned with a lot of ambition to do well. It hasn't gone particularly well, but that was really expected, considering how long she was out of the sport.

She recently won a match at the Qatar Open, and it was the best match she played since her comeback started, so she's clearly trending in the right direction.

There are many goals for this comeback, most notably returning to her previous level. Another goal is to play at the Summer Olympics in Paris. Osaka wants to play at the event, though there are some conditions she needs to meet to be eligible.

"Yeah, I'll play if they let me play. I think I have to play Fed Cup and have a ranking higher than 70 or 60, so hopefully I'm able to achieve those two goals and be able to go to Paris. But I would definitely love to if I'm allowed to."

Playing at the Olympic Games is the biggest honor for an athlete, and Osaka wants to experience it again. She played at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago but didn't go far.

This year's games are played on clay courts at the Roland Garros, which isn't her best surface, but she could certainly do some damage if she gives it her all.

She seems motivated, and sometimes, that's all that's needed. There are a few more months until then, and she'll have plenty of time to practice her clay tennis until then.

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