Osaka Eager to Compete at Paris Olympics After Billie Jean King Cup Success
Naomi Osaka, the former world number one, has expressed her eagerness to compete at the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris after helping Japan reach the finals of the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup. Osaka’s impressive performance, which saw her defeat Yulia Putintseva, played a crucial role in Japan’s 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan, securing their spot in the finals scheduled for November in Seville.
However, Osaka may face a potential appeals process to secure her place in the Paris Olympics, as she has not met the mandatory requirement of making two appearances in the Billie Jean King Cup during the current Olympic cycle. The 26-year-old Tennis star has undergone a remarkable resurgence in recent months, rising from a ranking of 831 to 193 in the world since her return to action in January, following a break of nearly six months after the birth of her daughter, Shai.
“Growing up watching the Olympics on TV, I felt that it was a celebration of sport,” Osaka expressed, reflecting on the significance of the Olympics. With her sights set on the Paris Games, the four-time Grand Slam champion declared, “If I do play, I have high ambitions of myself and I hope that I can do really well and get a medal.”
Meanwhile, world number one Iga Swiatek played a pivotal role in ensuring Poland’s progression to the quarterfinals of the Billie Jean King Cup. Swiatek secured convincing straight-set victories against Simona Waltert and Celine Naef, contributing to Poland’s 4-1 triumph over hosts Switzerland. Slovakia also booked their spot in the last eight, defeating Slovenia 4-1, while Australia cruised to a comfortable 4-0 victory against Mexico.
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