Osaka's Olympic Quest Reignited with BJK Cup Return

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is making a highly anticipated return to the BJK Cup this week, reigniting her quest for an Olympic berth at the Paris 2024 Games. The former world number one, who took a break from tennis after giving birth to her first child last year, has been named in Japan’s team to face Kazakhstan in a qualifying tie in Tokyo.

This marks Osaka’s first appearance in the prestigious team competition since February 2020, meaning she has not fulfilled the obligation of playing two ties in the current Olympic cycle. However, the 26-year-old still has a chance to secure a spot in Japan’s Olympic squad through the appeals process or by virtue of being a recent Grand Slam winner.

Osaka’s road to the Olympics has been anything but straightforward. After withdrawing from the French Open in 2021 due to mental health concerns, she took center stage at the Tokyo Games by lighting the cauldron during the opening ceremony. Her on-court performance saw her reach the third round before exiting the tournament.

Following the birth of her child in September 2022, Osaka stepped away from the tour, only returning in January of this year with a lowly ranking of 831. However, her recent performances, including a quarter-final run in Qatar and back-to-back third-round appearances in Indian Wells and Miami, have propelled her back inside the top 200 and to the No. 4 spot among Japanese players.

The singles event at the Olympics is limited to 64 players, with a maximum of four from each nation. Osaka’s Grand Slam pedigree could potentially secure her a place in the draw, even if she falls short of meeting the traditional qualification criteria.

“She said that she wants to play, so I’m really happy,” Japan’s captain Ai Sugiyama told local media after announcing Osaka’s inclusion in the team for the tie against Kazakhstan.

The BJK Cup matches, which will take place at the Ariake Coliseum – the same venue that hosted the Olympic tennis event in 2021 – hold special significance for Osaka. A strong showing could not only boost her ranking but also strengthen her case for an Olympic berth.

With eight qualifying ties taking place this week, the winners will advance to the 12-team BJK Cup finals in November, joining hosts Spain, defending champions Canada, 2023 runners-up Italy, and wild-card entrants Czech Republic.

While Osaka’s path to the Olympics may be unconventional, her determination and talent have never been in doubt. As she steps back onto the court in Tokyo, the tennis world will be watching with bated breath, eager to see if the Japanese superstar can reignite her Olympic dream and add another chapter to her remarkable career.