‘Superstar’ Naomi Osaka joins field for Nature Valley Classic in June
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.”
RELATED: Naomi Osaka blasts her critics insisting she’s having a great season
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.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
EXCLUSIVE: Judy Murray reveals coaching secrets at her Algarve tennis camp
-
-
EXCLUSIVE – Laura Robson: I want to earn a place back on the Fed Cup team
-
Six things we learned from the Monte-Carlo Masters: Featuring Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and more
-
EXCLUSIVE – Clare Balding: Fed Cup success can inspire a boom in the women’s game
-
Latest
-
ATP TourDaniil Medvedev closing in on career milestone as he returns to action this week
Daniil Medvedev will become the first player outside the ‘Big Four’ to claim a top two spot in the ATP rankings this week.
-
ATP Tour‘I’m pumped to be competing again’ – Andy Murray steps up his comeback in Rotterdam
Andy Murray has declared he is ready to step up his latest comeback effort, as he prepares to compete in the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam.
-
Tennis NewsHistoric day for Novak Djokovic as he equals Roger Federer’s record of weeks as world No.1
Djokovic is guaranteed to set a new mark next week.
-
ATP TourDavid Goffin ends long wait for an ATP title with a win in Montpellier
David Goffin captured his first ATP Tour title for more than three years by winning the Open Sud de France in Montpellier.
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis NewsIga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.