It promises to be an entertaining second day at the WTA Hong Kong Open with a number of intriguing matches on the slate. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Katie Boulter vs Aoi Ito and Diana Shnaider vs Kyoka Okamura. But who will book their spot in the next round?
WTA Hong Kong Day 2 Predictions
Nao Hibino vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich
Head-to-head: Hibino 1-1 Sasnovich
Aliaksandra Sasnovich has had a very disappointing season with the usual highlights (Rome third round, Budapest final) coming too few and far between. It’s tough to say what she’ll be able to do here, especially after retiring in tears to Leylah Fernandez in Tokyo. It’s been a while since Nao Hibino was setting the world on fire herself and this match looks like a good opportunity for either player. The perenially underrated ball-striker in Sasnovich will likely get this done if she’s fit.
Prediction: Sasnovich in 3
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Hong Yi Cody Wong vs Cristina Bucsa
Head-to-head: first meeting
Hong Yi Cody Wong has played this event many times in the past, not winning a set in either the qualifying appearances in 2016-18 or the main draw match against Sofya Lansere last year. Winning that ITF tournament in Huzhou a couple of weeks back should give her some confidence, but the reality is she still hasn’t shown she can hold up at this level. Cristina Bucsa will likely have a bit too much quality even if she doesn’t find her peak game on the day.
Prediction: Bucsa in 2
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Leylah Fernandez vs Heather Watson
Head-to-head: Watson 3-0 Fernandez
That’s quite the head-to-head record, but it’s worth noting that their last match came back in 2020. Since then, Heather Watson’s singles career has been in its post-prime stage. She took an interesting route recently, coming back from Asia for an ITF event in Shrewsbury and making the final, only to now return to Hong Kong. Last time they played Leylah Fernandez was just seventeen and she’s a much better player right now. Her two most recent events she was only stopped by Zheng Qinwen, both times in three sets. If she can maintain the level she has displayed, expect her to have too much for Watson.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Main photo credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
