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TENNIS: GB’s Heather Watson plays Japan No.1 in Fed Cup

British number 2 Heather Watson faces World No. 22 Japanese player, Naomi Osaka, in the opener of the Fed world group stage 2 play-offs.

Watson, 25, will face Osaka in the Bourbon Beans Dome stadium in Japan.

The two players have met on one previous occasion, with Watson having to retire injured back in August 2017, although the Brit was trailing 6-1 4-1 at the time of her injury.

 

Johanna Konta is also competing in the tournament where she plays World No.100, Kurumi Nara, in the second singles match on Saturday.

The 26-year old was recently knocked out in the fourth round of the Miami Open by Serena Williams.

 

 

Doubles experts Anna Smith and debutant Gabi Taylor will be joining the girls along their experience.

Victory against the hosts at the weekend would see the Great Britain Women promoted into the elite group for the first time in 25 years.

Watson and Konta’s match will start at 5:00 BST on Saturday.