Tennis News: Tennis has united to support the postponement of the Olympics due to the corona virus pandemic which was supposed to be held this year in Tokyo.
On Tuesday (3/24) it was announced that the Olympics were postponed until 2021 due to uncertainty when the end of the corona virus pandemic and lack of athletes’ preparations would take place. For the fourth time in history, the Olympics had to be postponed since it was first held in 1896. Three other Olympics were postponed due to the first and second world wars.
Kei Nishikori predicted as one of the center of attention at this year’s Olympics. In 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Nishikori won a bronze medal in the men’s singles number and became the first Japanese tennis player to win an Olympic medal since 1920.
“I am a little relieved to hear news about the Olympics this morning (3/24),” Nishikori said in a video released on his personal application.
“I think it’s a positive thing for every athlete, that they don’t cancel, but delay. Of course for those who have prepared themselves well, I think it will be difficult, but in a situation like this, I think athletes cannot train well.”
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“I am relieve that the Olympics will hold in Tokyo in 2021 and I will prepare myself for a golden opportunity in the coming year. Let’s work together and do our best, so that this painful situation can recover as soon as possible. ”
While Nishikori’s countrymate, Yoshihito Nishioka has planned the 2020 season in Tokyo. he is schedule to make his Olympic debut at the age of 24.
“I’m really looking forward to the Olympics,” Nishioka wrote through his Twitter account. “This season’s target puts the Olympics in first place, but now everyone’s health must prioritize.”
In the world of women’s tennis, Petra Kvitova called the decision the right step. Four years ago, he won a bronze medal after defeating the Madison Keys. She is one of two Czechs who won the Olimpade medal in singles after Jana Novotna in 1996.
“The sad news is that we will not be able to compete at this year’s Olympics, but that is certainly the right decision with the current situation in the world that still has to face COVIC-19,” Kvitova wrote through his Twitter account.
“Instead of disappointed, let’s look forward to making 2021 the best Olympics the world has ever witnessed.”
While Belgian veteran Kirsten Flipkens said, ” So I think it’s a logical decision. No matter how difficult it is for athletes (and especially for athletes who have worked hard for this target for 4 years), health is always number one. “
