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Tokyo Olympics 2020 Tennis Day-1: Naomi Osaka Inaugurates Center Court, Novak Djokovic to Wind up Play
When a slew of the withdrawals happened weeks before the start of Tokyo Olympic games from both the ATP and WTA tours, discussions arose that the tennis event at the Summer Olympics this year might not be as enthralling as it was before.
But, when top-ranked players from both the men’s and women’s singles draws decided to participate in this special event, tennis was back in discussion in Tokyo with the likes of Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, Ashleigh Barty, and Daniil Medvedev aiming to clinch a maiden gold medal.
Tokyo Olympics Tennis Training – Ariake Tennis Park, Tokyo, Japan – July 22, 2021 Novak Djokovic of Serbia during training. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Watch this story: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Winning Medals of Glory at Olympic Games
The draw for the tennis event was released today at the Ariake Tennis Center in Tokyo. Even though the event will continue without fans, the draw gave some pretty exciting first-round matchups for tennis buffs to get entertained.
Tennis action in Tokyo begins from 24th of this month, and all top tennis stars headline day-1 action. After a brief hiatus from tennis, Naomi Osaka will open proceedings at the main show court. The home-favorite will face Saisai Zheng in the first round.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis Training – Ariake Tennis Park, Tokyo, Japan – July 20, 2021 Naomi Osaka of Japan puts on a protective face mask after training REUTERS/Edgar Su
Watch this story: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Winning Medals of Glory at Olympic Games
Naomi Osaka to open her Tokyo Olympics campaign on Day-1
Osaka’s opening-round match starts at 11am local time(JST). People in America will be viewing the matchup at 10pm, Thursday. Fans in UK will have to catch up the action late in the night at 2am(GMT).
Coming to other day-1 matches, Novak Djokovic will play youngster Hugo Dellien. Their contest will be the final matchup on the center court at Ariake Tennis Center.
Novak Djokovic will play Dellien in the Saturday morning CET. Their match is fourth, play start at 4 AM with Zheng – Osaka, followed by Medvedev – Bublik and Diyas – Krejcikova. Should be around 9 AM.
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) July 22, 2021
With Djokovic-Dellien match being the last matchup, it might start around 3am for tennis fans in America. Tennis fans in the United Kingdom can start their day with this match as it will take place at 7am on Friday, roughly.
Naomi Osaka is opening Centre Court in the first day of #Tokyo2020 tennis tournament. Medvedev, Krejcikova and Djokovic also on CC. pic.twitter.com/FAlkkfSefh
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) July 22, 2021
In other matches on center court, Daniil Medvedev will face Alexander Bublik. This encounter starts after the completion of Osaka’s contest. For an opening-round matchup, it might turn out to be an intriguing and tricky contest for the Russian at Tokyo Olympics.
French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova also lights up the center court on day-1 with her first-round contest against Kazakhstan player Zarina Diyas.
Rest of the OOP pic.twitter.com/lbA0TximGf
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) July 22, 2021
Two-time gold medalist Andy Murray also starts his doubles campaign with brother Joe Salisbury on Saturday(24th July). The British duo will face a stiff challenge against the champion French pairing of Pierre-Hughes Herbert and Nicolas Mahut.
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