Naomi Osaka will not be participating in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen, China, with her Japanese teammates in 2025.
After her semifinal exit at the US Open, Osaka has officially withdrawn from the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
Team Japan will be represented by Moyuka Uchijima, currently ranked 92nd in the world, who is still seeking her first singles title on the WTA Tour.
Osaka’s absence will undoubtedly be felt in Shenzhen, as her experience as a four-time Grand Slam champion could have greatly benefited the team.
Japan’s Billie Jean King Cup captain, Ai Sugiyama, has explained the situation regarding Osaka’s non-participation.
Naomi Osaka is injured but ‘really wanted to compete’ at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals
In her pre-tournament press conference, Sugiyama shared Osaka’s current condition, saying, “She [Naomi Osaka] got injured. She was eager to compete here, but her recovery takes precedence.”
Sugiyama hopes Osaka remains supportive, noting, “I haven’t spoken much with her as she’s very disappointed about her injury. But I believe she’s cheering for us.”
Reflecting on Osaka’s season, Sugiyama highlighted her recent improvements, stating, “It’s great to see her performing well again, reaching the finals in Montreal and the semifinals in the US Open. She appears more relaxed and relieved from pressure.”
Naomi Osaka’s best results in 2025
- (January) – ASB Classic – Lost in Finals to Clara Tauson
- (May) – WTA 125 Saint-Malo – Champion
- (August) – Canadian Open – Lost in Finals to Victoria Mboko
- (September) – US Open – Lost in Semifinals to Amanda Anisimova
Sugiyama remarked on how becoming a mother has reshaped Osaka’s priorities, leading to a more relaxed gameplay. “She’s doing remarkably well, and it’s fulfilling to see her back to her best.”
Uchijima echoed this sentiment, expressing admiration for Osaka’s influence. “Watching her grow up motivated us all. Even though she is currently injured, we wish her a speedy recovery and the best for the upcoming tournaments.”
Osaka is slated to return to the WTA Tour at the China Open next week.
Naomi Osaka can move into WTA Finals contention with China Open win
Having not participated in the WTA Finals since 2019, Osaka has a chance to qualify this year thanks to her strong performances in Montreal and New York.
| Rank | Name | Country | Points | Status |
| 1 | Aryna Sabalenka | Belarus | 9,610 | Qualified (Won Grand Slam/Points) |
| 2 | Iga Swiatek | Poland | 7,534 | Qualified (Won Grand Slam/Points) |
| 3 | Coco Gauff | USA | 5,184 | Qualified (Won Grand Slam) |
| 4 | Amanda Anisimova | USA | 4,908 | Currently qualifying |
| 5 | Madison Keys | USA | 4,450 | Qualified (Won Grand Slam) |
| 6 | Jessica Pegula | USA | 4,209 | Currently qualifying |
| 7 | Mirra Andreeva | Russia | 4,189 | Currently qualifying |
| 8 | Elena Rybakina | Kazakhstan | 3,751 | Currently qualifying |
| 9 | Jasmine Paolini | Italy | 3,526 | Not currently qualifying |
| 10 | Ekaterina Alexandrova | Russia | 2,871 | Not currently qualifying |
| 11 | Elina Svitolina | Ukraine | 2,606 | Not currently qualifying |
| 12 | Clara Tauson | Denmark | 2,553 | Not currently qualifying |
| 13 | Emma Navarro | USA | 2,310 | Not currently qualifying |
| 14 | Naomi Osaka | Japan | 2,244 | Not currently qualifying |
| 15 | Belinda Bencic | Switzerland | 2,229 | Not currently qualifying |
If Osaka secures a victory at the China Open, she could accumulate an additional 1,000 points, potentially placing her near the top ten and in contention for qualification.
While qualifying for the finals in Riyadh might prove challenging for Osaka in 2025, her recent progress highlights the hard work she has invested over the last few months.
Following her split with Patrick Mouratoglou after the grass-court season, prospects didn’t seem bright for the four-time Grand Slam champion; however, her future looks promising once more.
As the China Open approaches on September 24, it remains to be seen whether Osaka can claim the title, but fans will surely want to follow the tournament closely.
