Tokyo 2020: World No. 3 Naomi Osaka To Give Up US Citizenship To Represent Birth Country

Two-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka has decided to give up her US citizenship to represent her birth country, Japan, in next year's Tokyo Olympics.

World No. 3 was born in Japan to Japanese and Haitian parents before the family moved to New York when she was three-years-old. According to Japanese law, people with dual citizenship must choose one before turning 22. Osaka, who anyway represents Japan on the WTA Tour and in the Fed Cup, will turn 22 on Oct. 16.

Speaking to Japanese broadcaster NHK, the 2018 US and Australian Open champion said, "It is a special feeling to aim for the Olympics as a representative of Japan. I think that playing with the pride of the country will make me feel more emotional."

It is believed that Osaka has already started the process of gaining Japanese citizenship. Osaka came into the limelight after her triumph against home favorite Serena Williams in the controversy-hit US Open final last year. This was followed by her second Grand Slam win in Melbourne.

The win in New York was an emotional one as she clinched that by defeating her childhood idol, Serena.

Osaka earlier admitted that her win over Williams was very promising at the start of her career and revealed that she was ready to handle the expectations. However, she said she struggled with the expectations after winning her second major more than when she had won her first.

"Just to have that very early in my career is quite promising. I just hope I keep going. I expected to win a Grand Slam when I was 18. You always have high goals. It doesn't really bother me anymore. I think it did right after I won the Australian Open," Osaka said in an interview.