The former number one in the world Naomi Osaka gave the Japanese team an almost certain second point in their tie against Kazakhstan in the world group of the Billie Jean King Cup, with a pass to the finals in Seville at stake.
Osaka, who has not played in a women’s team tournament since 2020, defeated Yulia Putintseva (52 WTA) 6-2 and 7-6 (5). The former world number one, now ranked 193 after a year away from the courts due to maternity, struggled only in the second round tiebreaker, but finally achieved victory in the clash in Tokyo.
Previously Naho Hibino (79) beat Anna Danilina (939) by 6-1 and 6-0.
On Saturday, two more singles matches and one doubles match will be played to decide the tie.
Japan has never played in the Cup finals. Kazakhstan is looking for a third; He was in Seville last year but finished second in his group.
Australia also won just one more in the finals after defeating Mexico 2-0in the eliminator taking place in Brisbane, on the hard court.
Arina Rodionova, 103 WTA, defeated Giuliana Olmos (unranked) 3-6, 6-3 and 6-1 and Daria Saviulle (94) defeated Marcela Zacarías (562) 6-1 and 6-0.
The clash continues this Saturday with matches between Rodionova and Zacarías and between Saville and Olmos, before the doubles are played if necessary.
Australia, with Samantha Stosur debuting as captain, aims to reach the finals for the fourth time and, once there, win its first title since 1974.
During one of the team’s warm-ups, Storm Hunter tore his Achilles tendonthe world number three doubles the ranking and thus bids farewell to his dream of medaling at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Mexico is playing in the Billie Jean King Cup without its key tennis players and has never made it to the finals.
Source: La Verdad
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