ITF

12 ITFWorld // SPRING 2019 I N T E R V I E W 12 ITFWorld // SPRING 2019 With the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo little more than a year away, Naomi Osaka talks exclusively to ITFWorld about her dreams of triumphing in the country of her birth. By Ross McLean "When you are a kid you don't dream of silver or bronze." N A O M I O S A K A A HEADLINE ACT WHEREVER SHE GOES FOLLOWING HER GRAND SLAM-WINNING EXPLOITS, NAOMI OSAKA WOULD BE forgiven for taking the easy option and swatting away questions regarding future success. But rather than resort to mundane generalisations in the face of such attention, Osaka is comfortable with discussing her lofty ambitions for next year's Olympic Games in Japan – the country of her birth. It is a refreshing approach, especially for a 21-year-old who has become box office news since propelling herself into the sporting stratosphere by premiering the most glorious of sequels and conquering all before her at January's Australian Open. The glare of the spotlight has dazzled, perhaps burdened at times, since Osaka assumed the status of Japan's first Grand Slam singles champion by defeating 23-time major winner Serena Williams in the US Open final in September 2018. She has not retreated into her shell, however, and while Roland Garros and the prospect of a third consecutive Grand Slam crown is the next hurdle, there are other considerations occupying her mind, principally Tokyo 2020. The sight of Osaka standing atop the podium at Ariake Tennis Park adorned by the most precious of metals would prove a fitting homecoming for both player and country. The individual who is carrying the hopes of a nation admits that it is a vision she has contemplated. "I do think about winning gold and it would mean a lot if I was able to achieve that and win a gold medal because you dream of such moments," Osaka told ITFWorld. "When you are a kid you don't dream of silver or bronze. Even though winning silver or bronze is an incredible achievement, every athlete wants gold and it has always been something that I have imagined. "Winning gold would be the biggest thing I would have achieved in my career, although in some ways that is simply because of timing. I contest Grand Slams every year but an Olympic Games is only once every four years so there are not many opportunities to become an Olympic champion. "Everyone who competes at the Olympics wants to be an Olympic champion, so that would be my aim." Despite shooting to prominence over the last eight ➝

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