Naomi Osaka to Play for Japan in Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier against Kazakhstan in Tokyo

Naomi Osaka Set to Play for Japan in Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier

Former world number one Naomi Osaka is gearing up to represent Japan in their Billie Jean King Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan in Tokyo, showcasing her return to tennis after a 15-month maternity break. Despite not achieving the same level of success as before her hiatus, Osaka remains focused on the bigger picture and her growth as a player.

Since her comeback, Osaka’s world ranking has risen from 831 to 193, and she has faced tough competition in each tournament. Reflecting on her recent matches, Osaka highlighted her second-round win over Elina Svitolina in Miami as a standout performance in terms of execution.

Excited to participate in the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time since 2020, Osaka expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play for her country and improve her skills in a team atmosphere. The upcoming tie against Kazakhstan will see Osaka team up with Nao Hibino as Japan’s singles representatives.

With the winners advancing to November’s finals in Spain, Osaka is determined to showcase her growth and maturity as a player to the Tokyo fans. While she acknowledges her past tendency to go for flashy shots, Osaka now prioritizes strategy and hopes to deliver an exciting performance without going overboard.

As Osaka prepares to take the court at Ariake Coliseum, where she made a memorable run at the Olympics in 2021, fans can expect to see a more strategic and composed player in action. Despite the absence of top-ranked Elena Rybakina from the Kazakhstan team, Osaka remains focused on the task at hand and is eager to make a statement in front of her home crowd.