Naomi Osaka, the Japanese tennis star, is facing challenges in her comeback in 2024 after a 15-month hiatus. Despite a remarkable rise in rankings from 831 to just within the top 200, it falls short of her usual standards. In a strategic shift, she is now focusing on international team tournaments to regain her winning form.
Selected for the Japanese team, the four-time Grand Slam winner will make her return to the Billie Jean King Cup after four years, competing alongside her compatriots from April 12-13. The indoor hard courts of Tokyo’s Ariake Coliseum will set the stage for Osaka’s homecoming, where she boasts a singles record of 5-2 in the tournament.
While not the top-ranked player in her national team, Osaka remains a standout name in the tie against Kazakhstan. Joining her are Mai Hontama, ranked 120, Nao Hibino, ranked 80, veteran doubles specialist Shuko Aoyama, and American-born double specialist Ena Shibahara. Led by captain Ai Sugiyama, Japan’s national team currently ranks 20th in the Billie Jean King Cup Rankings.
Sugiyama, a former top-10 WTA singles player and doubles No. 1, expresses delight at Osaka’s return, stating, “She said that she wants to play, so I’m really happy.” While aiming for the top, Sugiyama acknowledges the potential of her players. However, Osaka has her sights set on broader goals.
This competition marks Osaka’s first team debut since February 2020, indicating she has yet to fulfill the requirement of participating in two ties within one Olympic cycle to qualify for the Paris Olympics. To secure her spot on the Japan team, she’ll need to navigate the appeals process, as outlined by an International Tennis Federation (ITF) spokesperson to AFP. Nonetheless, the ITF reserves a slot in each singles draw at the Games for a Grand Slam title holder.
JP2021.COM