Naomi Osaka: 'I shouldn’t have to alter my preparations too much'

Naomi Osaka was the first Japanese athlete ever to win a Slam title, the third in the 'Open Era' to qualify for the WTA Finals in 2018 and the first Asian ever to reach the top of the WTA ranking.

The Coronavirus emergency caused the Tokyo Olympics to be postponed. Osaka was probably the one who was most disappointed when she heard about the postponement. “Like most athletes that had been training I was disappointed at first but when you realise the postponement is for the better of the entire world you know the game can wait, we will come together in 2021 and be ready,” Osaka told Reuters. “I actually have a lot of sympathy for athletes, like track athletes, who work for four years and plan to peak at that exact time. Now their schedule is probably in turmoil.

Tennis is a little bit different so I shouldn’t have to alter my preparations too much. I know so many people (including close friends) that have worked so hard on the Games, and I know how difficult this has been for people in Japan as well … So it has been tough. But of course it is the right decision, which has my full backing. I’m really hopeful that the Olympics will now be a massive celebration for the world at the other end of this pandemic.

I’ve been playing tennis almost every day for as long as I can remember, so it has been an opportunity to take stock and reset. I have been cooking a lot, working out to stay fit, reading and keeping in touch with my sister and family. I haven’t been able to play tennis, however, I have been speaking to my coach and fitness trainer daily and finding ways to keep my body fit and ready for when the tour resumes. It’s a new normal but I am adjusting" - she added.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3bZ4qkm