TOKYO – Japan’s Naomi Osaka, star of the Tokyo Olympics’ opening ceremony, returns from her self-imposed tennis exile on Sunday as US legend Simone Biles sets about equalling the all-time record for gymnastics gold medals.
Australian Open champion Osaka has not played since May, when she walked out of Roland Garros saying that media commitments were harming her mental health.
But she appeared buoyant after lighting the Olympic cauldron on Friday, and will expect a warm welcome in Tokyo even if fans are barred because of coronavirus restrictions.
Firing up the cauldron was “undoubtedly the greatest athletic achievement and honor I will ever have in my life”, tweeted Osaka, who plays China’s Zheng Saisai in the first round.
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