Heather Watson to face Japan’s Naomi Osaka in Fed Cup opener
Heather Watson is set to face off against Japan’s Naomi Osaka in the opening match of Great Britain’s Fed Cup World Group II play-off tie, the BBC report.
Osaka, ranked 22nd in the world, is the highest ranked competitor in the play-off for both countries, one place above Johanna Konta and 55 above her opponent Watson.
The Japanese international claimed the Indian Wells title last month and shot up the world rankings in the process.
Konta will take on world number 100 Kurumi Nara in the second singles match on Saturday, with doubles action set for Sunday.
If Great Britain defeat Japan this weekend, they will be promoted to the World Group for the first time in 25 years.
The final two places on the team for Great Britain were given to Anna Smith and debutante Gabi Taylor, both doubles specialists who will compete on Sunday along with the reverse singles matchups.