The tennis star is competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on behalf of her home country Japan.

Let the games begin!
<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/megan-thee-stallion-leyna-bloom-naomi-osaka-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-2021-cover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Naomi Osaka</a> kicked off the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/rising-olympic-athletes-to-watch-tokyo-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 Tokyo Olympics</a> by lighting the Olympic flame at the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/politics-culture/simone-biles-team-usa-gymnastics-2020-tokyo-olympics-opening-ceremony" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Opening Ceremony</a>. The tennis star arrived at the inaugural festivities as the final torchbearer with a set of newly minted red and white braids in honor of her home country, Japan, where the games will be held this year.
While Osaka lives grew up and currently resides in the United States, she was born in Osaka, Japan and is a Japanese citizen. As a result, she will compete for Japan's Olympic team.

The athlete shared a photo from the ceremony on Instagram. "Undoubtedly the greatest athletic achievement and honor 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," wrote Osaka in the caption of her post. "Love you guys thank you."

In recent months, the tennis champ has stepped back from the sport, opting to sit out of major Grand Slam tournaments like the French Open and Wimbleton in favor of her mental health. When it was reported that French Open players would be required to do press, the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/tennis-star-naomi-osaka-officially-withdraws-french-open-mental-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">athlete withdrew from the competition</a>. 
The following month, her agent Stuart Duguid announced that she would not be taking part in Wimbleton either. He said, "Naomi won't be playing Wimbledon this year. She is taking some personal time with friends and family."

Naomi Osaka Lights Olympic Torch at Tokyo Opening Ceremony

L'OFFICIEL USA May 2024 - Natalie Portman Cover

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA April 2024 - Jake Gyllenhaal Cover

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA April 2024 - Zayn Malik Cover

Naomi Osaka Lights Olympic Torch at Tokyo Opening Ceremony

Tags

Related Articles

Politics & Culture

Why Simone Biles Won't Be at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony

Fashion

10 Noteworthy 2020 Olympic Capsule Collections

Travel & Living

8 Rising Olympic Athletes to Watch

Recommended posts for you

Pop culture

What is the April Theory?

Fashion

Max Mara Hosts 'An Evening of Design & Heritage' With FGI and L'OFFICIEL USA

Fashion

Nicole Richie's Best Y2K Style Moments

Beauty

What Are Ombre Eyebrows—and Should You Try Them?

Fashion

Who is Clara Bow, the Original It Girl Referenced in Taylor Swift's Newest Album?

Pop culture

All the Celebrities Taylor Swift Name-Drops in 'The Tortured Poets Department'

Shopping

Heat Up Your Summer with These 11 Sexy One-Piece Bathing Suits

Beauty

Best Korean Face Wash for All Skin Types