The Japanese Godfather of Tennis will join Naomi Osaka at the Olympics in Paris

With the 2024 Olympic Games only a few weeks away, the stars of the ATP and WTA tours have made their intentions clear on whether they'll be representing their home nations at the event. Japan will have a heavy-hitting duo flying it's flag, as four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka will be joined by former World No.4 Kei Nishikori.

Osaka had been sidelined for over a year after giving birth to her first child in July 2023. However, the former World No.1 announced her return to the tour this season, and has a few notable wins under her belt already. The Japanese superstar had a match point against defending champion Iga Swiatek at the 2024 French Open, before bowing out in three tight sets. Osaka seems to be rediscovering her rhythm, and could be a dangerous opponent at the Paris Olympics.

The 2014 US Open runner-up has been dealing with injuries over the last few years. After regaining his footing on the Challenger Tour, Nishikori is slowly finding his footing as he aims to show he still has a lot left in the tank. The 34-year old will be competing at his fifth Olympic Games, with his best performance being a bronze medal finish at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Currently ranked at World No.286, Nishikori gained entrance to this year's Olympics using his protected ranking of 48th.

Osaka will also be competing in Paris using a protected ranking. The two-time US Open champion is currently ranked 125th in the world, but will participate at the Olympics using her protected ranking of World No.46, This will be Osaka's second appearance at the Olympics, after a disappointing third round exit at the Tokyo Games in 2021.