Tokyo Olympics: Naomi Osaka fans wait until Sunday for debut
- World No 2’s opener against China’s Zheng Saisai pushed back ahead of Japan fan favourite lighting Tokyo 2020 cauldron
- Opening ceremony star will begin her quest for gold on Sunday, with schedule to be confirmed
Osaka, who had long been touted to be the face of these Olympics, was confirmed as the final torch bearer and the lighter of the Olympic flame for the much beleaguered Games at the climax of the Opening Ceremony.
The International Tennis Federation confirmed on Friday afternoon that her opening match against China’s Zheng Saisai, which was set to be first on Centre Court on Saturday morning, had been delayed until a later date. No reason was given for the change.
Osaka’s role in lighting the flame had been the subject of speculation on social media but had remained a tightly guarded secret despite the news that her start to the tennis tournament had been delayed.
She described it as an honour on social media.
“Undoubtedly the greatest athletic achievement and [honour] 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,” she wrote on Twitter, “Love you guys thank you.”