Picture Credit: AFP
The entire sporting world came to a halt with the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic last year. Many high profile sporting events had to be postponed but the biggest of them was the Tokyo Olympics, which was pushed back by an entire year and yet there seems to be plenty of questions around it. While Japan is keen on organising the event, there is some big news with regards to the local Tennis star Naomi Osaka.
According to reports, Naomi Osaka is likely to be Japan’s flag bearer for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. While there hasn’t been any official confirmation yet, sources reveal that it could either be Tennis World No. 2 Osaka or the renowned golfer Hideki Matsuyama. While Matsuyama recently became the first-ever Japanese professional golfer to win a men’s major golf championship, Osaka clinched the Australian Open 2021 aged 23.
Rex Kuramoto outlines what it would mean if Matsuyama carried the flag
Not long ago, former golfer Rex Kuramoto outlined how big a feat it would be if Matsuyama carried the flag of Japan. However, almost all experts and pundits agree that Osaka is not far behind in the race to be the flag bearer and can overtake the golfer with still some time to go.
Can Osaka lift her fifth Grand Slam title at French Open 2021?
While Osaka had a great start to the 2021 season, winning the Australian Open and looking in sublime touch throughout the tournament, the Miami Open 2021 did not go as per expectation. She had to face a heavy defeat against Maria Shakkari in the quarterfinals.
With Osaka still not being able to make a name for her game in the clay courts, an opportunity arises in the form of the French Open 2021. A win at the French Open will not only be her fifth Grand Slam title but perhaps unlock the door for her to be Japan’s flag bearer at the marquee event