Naomi Osaka not needed for second match as Japan advance to Billie Jean King Cup Finals for first time

Former world number one Naomi Osaka was not needed as Japan secured their place in the Billie Jean King Cup finals with a win over Kazakhstan. The mega-event is currently taking place in different places at the same time where different teams from all over the world are participating to secure the ultimate prize.

In Tokyo, Japan faced Kazakhstan but the tie proved to be a one-sided one as the home team came out on top in a thumping manner with a score of 3-1. It was the first time when Japan managed to book their place in the competition's finals. Nao Hibino registered back-to-back wins against Anna Danilina Yulia Putintseva whereas Osaka in her first match defeated Putintseva but was not needed in the second match as the tie was already over.

In her opening fixture, which was her first in the tournament’s history in four years, Osaka proved too hot to handle for Putintseva as she ended up producing 15 aces compared to just four of her opponent. She ended up winning 75 points in the match, 15 more than Putintseva whereas her winners tally was 21.

Other than Japan, the only other team to book their place in the finals is Australia as they comprehensively defeated Mexico with a score of 4-0. The finals of the mega-event will be organised in Spain’s city of Seville where as many as 12 teams will participate.