While the roof was controversially being closed, Balding took the brief interlude to introduce the new Wimbledon quarter-finalist. “I am now with a player who is into the quarter-finals of Wimbledon for the very first time. Congratulations to Naomi Osaka. Well done, that performance today against Sabalenka was sensational. How did you view it?”
With a big smile on her face, Osaka replied: “I have definitely viewed it as a very positive match. I have played her a couple of times this year and I am just really glad it went my way this time.”
Balding asked: “I know you have been watching the World Cup and I don’t know whether you struggle to sleep after a big win like that, but there’s something on telly that could keep you going if you need to watch it.”
To which a diplomatic Osaka, who saw her Japan side eliminated by Brazil in the previous round, replied: “I’ve heard there’s a lot of really good matches today.”
But Balding was aghast and thumped her hand on the desk, saying: “A lot of really good matches? Naomi, England are playing at one o’clock in the morning! Now you’re here, you’ve got to support… maybe… you want to support Mexico?”
Osaka did then go on to explain that if she was awake, she would tune in and support England, to which Balding said “thank you, we’ll take that”.
If Osaka does end up watching England take on Mexico, she won’t be the only tennis star tuning in.
Iva Jovic, who lost to countrywoman Jessica Pegula in a battle of the Americans, said that she will be staying up to watch the United States against Belgium at 1am on Tuesday morning.
“I want to watch the England/Mexico match too,” she added in her press conference.