Shibahara to replace Osaka at the 2024 Finals
29/10/2024 13:53
Ena Shibahara has been brought in to replace Naomi Osaka in Japan's Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge team after the former world No. 1 ended her season early due to injury
Osaka, who was due to compete at the season-ending Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga on 13-20 November, revealed in a social media post that she has a back injury that will mean she can't compete again until 2025.
The former world No. 1 said: “I thought I strained my back, but I did an MRI in Beijing. They said I bulged a disc in my back and I also ruptured abdominal muscles. I’ve played so many tournaments this year, so it was the toughest decision to not play BJK.”
Captain Ai Sugiyama has brought in Shibahara to replace Osaka for next month's Finals. Shibahara has competed in nine ties for her country, playing only doubles matches but has a highly impressive 8-1 win-loss record in the competition.
Japan will start their 2024 Finals campaign against Romania on 14 November.
