Osaka aims to accomplish dream of winning gold at Tokyo Olympics

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has won all her majors on hard courts, which happen to be the surface that will be used during this summer's Tokyo Olympic Games.

The Japanese superstar has won the last two majors played on her preferred surface, and she has her eyes set on adding Olympic gold to her fast-growing resume.

"For me, it’s always been a dream of mine,” Osaka told ITF Tennis in a recent interview. “I have allowed myself to dream that dream of winning the gold medal.”

The World No.2 is a sporting hero in her home nation of Japan, host to this edition of the Olympics. With the Games set to begin on July 23, the seven-time WTA titlist is all but confirmed to participate as she is currently a top-ranked player.

"I’m really looking forward to competing in the Olympics," revealed Osaka. "Representing Japan really means a lot to me. It’s definitely really exciting; it’s one of my life goals.”

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In a 2019 interview, Osaka admitted that she was looking forward to the Olympics, having never participated before.

“I’ve never played the Olympics before,” she said. “Every athlete wants to be an Olympian. I’m looking forward to everything, including the Opening Ceremony. I think it’s a very big honor to even be participating.”

“What I’m most looking forward to being in Tokyo at the Olympics is the atmosphere,” added the reigning Australian Open champion. “It’s definitely going to be one-of-a-kind. It’s something that’s going to be etched in my mind forever."