Naomi Osaka posts social media message after lighting the Olympic flame
Tennis star Naomi Osaka lit the Olympic flame as the Tokyo Games were opened with an understated ceremony held behind closed doors.
Osaka marked her return to the spotlight in the grand manner, after stepping away from tennis for the last six weeks as she battles mental health issues.
Now she is back in the eye of the media after lighting the flame at her home Olympics and she described the moment as ‘the greatest athletic achievement and honor I will ever have in my life’.
Undoubtedly the greatest athletic achievement and honor I will ever have in my life. 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. pic.twitter.com/CacWQ5ToUD
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) July 23, 2021
The culmination came as great Japanese athletes, key workers and children from regions affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami 10 years ago linked up before handing the flame to four-time grand slam champion Osaka.
The 23-year-old walked across the stage at the Olympic Stadium and climbed a symbolic depiction of Mount Fuji to light the cauldron.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) July 23, 2021
Earlier, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach had addressed the athletes media and dignitaries that made up the sparse crowd, saying: “Today is a moment of hope.
“Yes it is very different from what all of us had imagined. But let us cherish this moment because finally we are all here together. This is the unifying power of sport. This is the message of solidarity, of peace and the message of resilience.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic 7.997 years at No 1, Carlos Alcaraz holds off Jannik Sinner, Luca Nardi +27
This way for your latest ATP Rankings.
-
Tennis Videos
WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz on THAT point against Daniil Medvedev – ‘Something happened to my feet’
“Points like this one give me extra motivation to put a smile on my face.”