First-round action continues on Day 2 of the WTA Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. Clara Tauson will a have fresh opportunity to push for a Top 50 return. But the most anticipated match of the day will pit Sofia Kenin against in-form Wang Xinyu. So, who do you think will come out on top? We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article.
WTA Tokyo Day 2 Predictions
Kyoka Okamura vs Hailey Baptiste
Head-to-head: Baptiste 2-0 Okamura
Baptiste is back inside the Top 100 and peaking at a career-high ranking of world #80. She’s been playing with a lot of confidence and composure. Testament to this claim, the American has beaten the likes of Sloane Stephens and Barbora Krejcikova on hard courts. This suggests she’s elevated her game. Okamura lost in qualifying to Baptiste last weekend. We have seen this script before where a lucky loser ends up knocking out her conqueror in the main draw. So, this could be a lot tighter than their qualifying match, but trust the higher-ranked Baptiste to find the solution.
Prediction: Baptiste in 3
Clara Tauson vs Nao Hibino
Head-to-head: Tauson 1-1 Hibino
Tauson suffered a disappointing defeat to world #279 Sayaka Ishii in qualifying in a match she led 6-1 3-1 only to let that cushion slip from her grasp. But the Dane has been spared as she is among a slew of names who is benefitting from a lucky loser spot. Tauson will be determined to put things right here. Hibino hasn’t won a main draw match at Tour level since March. The last time she faced Tauson was less than three weeks ago at the Hong Kong 125K and she only recorded two games. A repeat score line might be in the offing if Tauson finds her focus.
Prediction: Tauson in 2
Sofia Kenin vs Wang Xinyu
Head-to-head: Kenin 3-0 Wang
Kenin has a dominant record against Wang. But two of those wins were on grass, where before this year, the Chinese players lacked the skillset to get results there. Wang has enjoyed a fine season and arrives in Tokyo fresh off a semifinal run at the WTA 1000 in Wuhan. With the American’s season in sixes and sevens (just ten wins all year), Wang has a golden opportunity to break her duck in this matchup.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
