Osaka among big names returning to BJK Cup action next month

Naomi Osaka has not played in the Billie Jean King Cup for four years but will return to represent Japan in their qualifier against Kazakhstan later this month

Naomi Osaka at the 2022 Australian Open (Zuma/Panoramic)

Tennis Majors

March 16, 2024

Naomi Osaka is set to appear in the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time in four years next month, as she will return to represent Japan in their qualifier against Kazakhstan.

Osaka is one of a number of high-profile players returning to play for their countries in the international team competition in April, as teams around the world revealed their confirmed line-ups for the upcoming round of qualifiers.

Emma Raducanu will make her first appearance for Great Britain since 2022, when they take on France in at Le Chaudron in Le Portel.

Also returning from spells away from the tournament are Anglique Kerber for Germany – who has returned to competitive tennis this year after giving birth in 2023 – and world No 1 Iga Swiatek, who will be back Polish colours to take on Switzerland.

Kerber will be part of the team to play Brazil in Sao Paulo as the 36-year-old continues to build her way back to the Grand Slam-winning form that delivered her three major titles.

Osaka will enjoy the atmosphere of a home tie when Japan take on Kazakhstan in Tokyo, with the former world No 1 look set to lift ticket sales in the capital. However, there will not be a blockbuster meeting with Kazakhstan representative Elena Rybakina, as she has not made herself available for the qualifier.

The other big-name player to return is Simona Halep, who will return for Romania in their clash against Ukraine in her first Billie Jean King Cup appearance since her doping ban was reduced and she was cleared to make an instant return to the sport.

The 16-nation qualifying ties will be played on April 12 and 13 with the winners progressing to the Billie Jean Cup Finals while the losing nation will compete in the play-offs.