Two-time tennis Grand Slam tennis champion Naomi Osaka has welcomed this week's decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics until 2021.
The former world number one, who was born in Japan, says it's now a "time for people from all countries" to try and save as many lives as possible.
“Everyone knows how much the Olympics means to me and how proud I will be to participate in my home country,” the 22-yer-old wrote on Twitter.
“Of course, I am disappointed that it won’t happen this year but we’ll all be ready to be stronger than ever in 2021! I support Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s brave decision and the IOC 100%.
“Sport will eventually unite us again and be there for us always, but that time not now".
Osaka feels the fight to contain the coronavirus embodies "the Olympic spirit":
“This is the time for people from all countries, backgrounds and races to rally together to save as many lives as we can. To me, that is the Olympic spirit.
“To the people of Japan: stay strong, hang in there, and let’s the show the world our beautiful country when time is right in 2021.
“Stay safe everyone, take care of each other, be kind and we will make it through. Love, Naomi.”
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
