Naomi Osaka expressed her desire to participate in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris after contributing to Japan’s victory over Kazakhstan in the Billie Jean King Cup, securing their place in the finals.
Osaka’s win against Yulia Putintseva played a pivotal role as Japan emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline, earning them a coveted spot in November’s finals in Seville. However, her potential participation in the Olympics may require navigating an appeals process due to her incomplete appearances in the Billie Jean King Cup during the current Olympic cycle.
Despite this hurdle, Osaka’s resurgence in the world rankings since returning to action in January, following the birth of her daughter Shai, has been remarkable. Climbing from 831 to 193, she has demonstrated her enduring talent and determination on the court.
Reflecting on her Olympic aspirations, Osaka emphasized the significance of the Games in celebrating sport and expressed her ambitions of securing a medal if she were to compete in Paris.
Meanwhile, in other Billie Jean King Cup action, Iga Swiatek’s stellar performances propelled Poland into the last eight, with victories over Simona Waltert and Celine Naef ensuring their advancement. Additionally, Slovakia secured their spot with a convincing 4-1 win against Slovenia, while Australia displayed dominance with a resounding 4-0 victory over Mexico.