‘Superstar’ Naomi Osaka joins field for Nature Valley Classic in June

Michael Graham 29 Apr 2019 3:10 PM

Current world number one Naomi Osaka has joined the field for the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham this year.

It will be the fourth successive year the Japanese has played the tournament, but should she hold onto her ranking she will become the first world number one to ever contest the tournament.

“I’m excited to come back to Birmingham,” Osaka said.

“I enjoy the challenge of playing on grass and I’ve had some great matches and results on it, so this year should be fun.

British crowds are great to play in front of so I’m looking forward to it.”

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Tournament Director Patrick Hughesman added: “Naomi is one of the young superstars of our sport and is a fantastic role model to inspire a new generation to take up tennis.

“There will be a huge buzz around the tournament this year, with an amazing line-up of players and great entertainment on court and around the grounds.

“We want as many people as possible to come and be part of it.”

The tournament is shaping up to be a strong one, with world number two Petra Kvitova also confirmed to defend the crown she won last year.

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