Published on : 01/31/2021 – 11:08Modified : 01/31/2021 – 11:07
Melbourne (AFP)
Japanese tennis sensation Naomi Osaka stated on Sunday that she remained determined to compete in the Tokyo Olympics in her archipelago, as did Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, regardless of rising opposition from native public opinion due to the pandemic of Covid-19.
Osaka, winner of three Grand Slam tournaments, stated it was prepared to “stay in the room (s) for two weeks to play the Olympics”, the opening ceremony of which is scheduled for July 23, throughout a press convention in Melbourne on Sunday, every week earlier than the begin of the Australian Open.
While conceding his concern after a latest ballot which revealed that 80% of the Japanese public had been opposed to Tokyo internet hosting the Olympic assembly, already postponed for a yr.
“My concern is general safety once the country opens up,” stated the 23-year-old Japanese participant dwelling in Florida.
“Everyone arrives by plane from different places. I just want the public to feel safe,” she insisted, whereas a big a part of Japan, comparatively spared since the begin of the pandemic (lower than 6,000 lifeless), is presently in a state of emergency to address an upsurge in coronavirus circumstances, with borders being closed to virtually all foreigners.
“I missed the last Games. Playing in Tokyo would be very special for me,” Osaka stated.
The world No.2 Rafael Nadal echoed the emotions of the Japanese and repeated his want to compete in the Olympics, whereas counting on the recommendation of well being consultants.
“What we have to do is follow the instructions given by the people who really know about all of these things,” he advised reporters on Sunday.
But, in accordance to the Spaniard, a obligatory quarantine earlier than the Olympics could be tough to reconcile along with his program: “It seems difficult to integrate into our calendar.”
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, bronze medalist at the 2008 Beijing Games, reiterated his “personal intention to go to the Olympics”. “I really hope they will take place,” stated the Serbian.
© 2021 AFP
