New York: Women’s World No.1 Naomi Osaka is ready to join Kei Nishikori for mixed doubles at the Tokyo Olympics, but first she needs to practice doubles for the first time ever. Defending champion Naomi Osaka advanced Thursday to the third round of the US Open tennis tournament by defeating Poland’s Magda Linette 6-2, 6-4.
The 21-year-old Japanese star was asked after the match about Kei Nishikori, a former US Open runner-up who had earlier expressed his interest about teaming up with her for mixed doubles at next year’s Olympics.
Osaka is excited by the prospect, but also more than a bit intimidated. “The thing is anyone that knows my doubles track record knows that I’m down,” Osaka said. “I would play. I would definitely play with him. I just, I would actually need to practice doubles for the first time in my life,” added the reigning Australian Open champion
The pride Naomi Osaka would feel in playing for her homeland is tempered by the massive responsibility such a ‘Dream Team’ would carry. “Because you cannot play mixed doubles with Kei Nishikori and lose in the first round of the Olympics in Tokyo,” Osaka said.
“That would be the biggest – like, I would cry. I would actually cry for losing a doubles match. Definitely I think that would be so historic in a way. And I would love to do it. But I need to practice my doubles,” added Osaka.
Among those lucky enough to sit in Osaka’s players’ box for the match were five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant, the retired Los Angeles Lakers star guard, and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whose kneeling protest became a national symbol for champions of social justice and racial equality.
“I did want to play well in front of them,” Osaka said of her special guests. “It’s just funny to me. Last year compared to this year, there’s no way Kobe would sit in my box, Kaepernick, too. It’s just crazy who you run into in life. For me, it wasn’t pressure. It was just like I really didn’t want them to sit in the sun too long, honestly.” It should be stated here that Bryant, a two-time Olympic champion, is a friend and adviser for Osaka.
“I know Kobe. This is actually the first time I’ve ever met Colin,” Osaka informed. “Kobe gives me real-life advice. He’s someone I look up to as an athlete and also as a person. I’m really grateful that I even have the opportunity to talk to him and stuff,” added the Japanese star.
AFP