Naomi Osaka is seen lighting the cauldron at the Japan National Stadium during the Tokyo Olympic opening ceremony on the night of July 23, 2021. (Mainichi/Junichi Sasaki)

       TOKYO -- Tennis star Naomi Osaka, who lit the Tokyo Olympic cauldron as the last runner of the torch relay at the games' opening ceremony on the night of July 23, called the experience "undoubtedly the greatest athletic achievement and honor" of her life.

       The four-time Grand Slam champion posted her comment on Twitter at around 1 a.m. on July 24, with a photo of herself raising the torch while facing Olympic athletes and others at the Japan National Stadium.

       "I have no words to describe the feelings I have right now but I do know I am currently filled with gratefulness and thankfulness. Love you guys thank you," she wrote.

       (Japanese original by Hiroyuki Asatsuma, Sports News Department)

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