Japan’s hopes in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals ended abruptly this week. The team, led by captain Ai Sugiyama, battled fiercely but ultimately fell short of expectations. Fans had anticipated a deep run, especially if star player Naomi Osaka were available. Instead, Japan bowed out without its former world No. 1, underscoring the challenge of competing without one of its leading talents.
Why Was Naomi Osaka Absent From Japan’s Team at the BJK Cup?
Osaka did not travel to China for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals because of an injury sustained earlier this season. Japan exited the competition in the opening round, unable to advance to the quarter-finals. Captain Sugiyama explained that Osaka really wanted to be part of the team but had to focus on recovery.
Before the tournament began, Sugiyama explained Osaka’s absence, saying, “She got injured. She really wanted to come here to compete.” She added, “I hope she’s cheering for us. I haven’t talked to her much. She was too disappointed because she got injured. But I’m sure she’s cheering for us.”
The Japanese captain praised her compatriot’s recent performances: “I’m happy to see her really doing well. Runner-up in Montreal, semis in US Open.” She also talked about the improvement in Osaka’s condition since her return, “Most important thing is she’s enjoying playing again. She’s more relaxed. Seems like she’s relieved from all the pressure, I think.”
Osaka missed the 2024 Finals due to an abdominal injury. In the round of 16 match against Coco Gauff, she retired in the second set due to lower back and abdominal pain. Following her withdrawal, Japan entered the tournament with the same squad as last year’s, aiming to build on established chemistry and experience.
Players like Moyuka Uchijima, Ena Shibahara, Shuko Aoyama, and Eri Hozumi were expected to fill the void left by Osaka’s absence. However, without their marquee player, Japan faced a tougher challenge on court and struggled to find the extra edge needed in close matches.
Japan’s Exit from the BJK Cup
Japan’s quarter-final tie against Great Britain in Shenzhen ended in straight losses despite the absence of British No. 1 Emma Raducanu. The first singles match saw World No. 68 Ena Shibahara take on Britain’s Sonay Kartal. Kartal raced to a 4-0 lead with powerful baseline strokes and solid service games. Shibahara found her footing late but could not overcome the deficit. Kartal closed out the first set 6-3 and then edged a tight second-set tiebreak 7-6(4).
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World No. 92 Moyuka Uchijima faced Britain’s Katie Boulter in the second singles match. Uchijima struggled to match Boulter’s depth and aggression from the baseline. Boulter broke serve early in each set, winning 6-2, 6-1 in 70 minutes to seal a 2-0 victory and clinch the tie for Great Britain.
Hitting her marks 👌
A near-perfect second serve percentage for Sonay Kartal 💥#BJKCup | @Copilot pic.twitter.com/fxxzsgKX1K
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) September 18, 2025
Japan’s campaign concluded here, highlighting the impact of Osaka’s absence and the need for greater depth when key players are unavailable. With these wins, Great Britain advanced to the semifinals, where they will meet the United States for a place in the final.
