Naomi Osaka to headline Eisenhower Cup in Indian Wells

Naomi Osaka will return to tennis during a one-night tennis event called the Eisenhower Cup to be played at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens.

The Eisenhower Cup returns to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden after a successful debut in 2019. This year’s iteration of the event will take place on International Women’s Day and will feature many of the biggest names on the WTA Tour.

Joining the four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka will be defending BNP Paribas Open champion Paula Badosa, 2015 champion Simona Halep, world No. 2 and two-time Grand Slam semifinalist Aryna Sabalenka,  Maria Sakkari, Ons Jabeur and 19-year-old phenom and 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez will also compete in the charity event.

The event released a statement from Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas:

“We are thrilled that The Eisenhower Cup will return to serve as a kickoff to the BNP Paribas Open and raise funds for such a worthwhile cause. Tennis fans will get to see the brightest stars of the WTA Tour in action during this unique and fun event, and we thank all of these incredible players for their participation. What a perfect way to welcome everyone to another year in Tennis Paradise.”