Japan vs Romania Prediction Billie Jean King Cup Finals Tennis Picks 11/14/24

There'll be no Naomi Osaka in the Japanese team that was named by team captain Ai Sugiyama.

Moyuka Uchijima will be the country's highest-ranked player in their lineup.

Japan defeated Kazakhstan back in April on home soil to reach the Finals.

This is already an improvement from last year when they had to go through the Play-Offs.

They have never won the BJK Cup in their entire 56-year history of playing in it. 

Romania Billie Jean King Cup Team Facts

Romania team captain Horia Vlad Tecau has excluded two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep.

That decision wasn't too hard to make considering Halep's lack of match practice since being cleared by doping authorities.

Otherwise, it will be the same team that defeated Ukraine for a spot in the Finals.

In addition to Ana Bogdan, Jacqueline Cristian, Anca Todoni, and Mara Gae, there will also be Monica Niculescu and Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

Japan vs Romania Billie Jean King Cup Head-To-Head

• Japan have won all seven of their ties at this competition dating back to 2023.

• Romania have won three of their last seven ties at the Billie Jean King Cup at all levels.

Japan vs Romania Billie Jean King Cup Prediction

With Naomi Osaka out of contention, Japan's chances have been severely dented in this tie and this being a neutral venue only gives Romania the slight advantage to progress into the final eight. Ana Bogdan has proven her qualities at this tournament when she stunned Elina Svitolina in April and she'll be vital member to get her country off the mark in singles. Ruse and Cristian are former Top 60 players who are very much capable of checking off the winner's column if required. This tie could be decided in doubles, but I still fancy Romania to advance.