Japanese sensation Naomi Osaka on Sunday said she was committed to competing in the delayed Tokyo Olympics, but believed public approval wa...
Japanese sensation Naomi Osaka on Sunday said she was committed to competing in the delayed Tokyo Olympics, but believed public approval was crucial for the Games to go ahead this year.
Organisers are still adamant the Olympics can be held safely even if the coronavirus is not under control by the time the flame is lit on July 23.
The three-time Grand Slam champion admitted being worried by a recent poll that found 80 percent of the Japanese public were opposed to Tokyo hosting the event this year because of the pandemic.
Large parts of Japan are currently under a state of emergency to tackle a spike in coronavirus cases, with borders closed to almost all foreigners.
“My concern would be the general safety of everyone else because you’re opening the country,” Osaka said.
“Everyone is flying in from different places. I would just want the public to feel safe.”
The 23-year-old has been the poster girl of the 2020 Olympics and still hopes to represent Japan at her home Games.
“I will stay in my room for two weeks to play the Olympics,” said Osaka, who lives in Florida.
“I missed out on the last one. Playing in Tokyo would be very special to me.”
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