Action in this scintillating Asian Swing shifts once more to Japan and this time we bring you all the excitement on Day 1 at the WTA event in Osaka. We also predict half of the day’s matches in a separate article. Who do you back to go through?
WTA Osaka Day 1 Predictions
Clara Tauson vs Katie Volynets
Head-to-Head Volynets 1:0 Tauson
Katie Volynets is coming off the back of mixed results so far in this Asian swing, with positive results in Hua Hin and Beijing followed by a first-round exit in Wuhan. Tauson, for her part, will not look kindly to her semifinal exit from a WTA 125k tournament in Hong Kong as she was in a solid position to win the whole event after defeating some solid players. These two produced an epic day on court when they met a few weeks ago in the first round at Hua Hin and this match should be no different. Tauson will aim to return the favor and level the head-to-head and I back her to win here.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Viktoriya Tomova vs Suzan Lamens
Head-to-Head: Lamens 1:0 Tomova
Susan Lamens came through qualifying, needing tiebreaks in both matches. She would more than appreciate the time on court as it has afforded her the opportunity to get used to the conditions. Tomova has not been able to string together a series of back-to-back wins since crashing out at the third round in Seoul. She comes into this match as the slight favorite but she should be wary as Lamens is more than capable of beating her and I back her to find the range to do so.
Prediction: Lamens in 2
Lucia Bronzetti vs Cristina Bucsa
Head-to-Head Busca 1:0 Bronzetti
Cristina Bucsa should be very pleased with her performances throughout the Asian swing so far. Making it to the round of 16 in Beijing before exiting in the first round in Wuhan. She would hope to get back to winning ways and against Bronzetti, she should be able to do just that. Bronzetti hasn’t had nearly as successful a campaign on the continent, having barely made it past the qualifying rounds in any of the tournaments she has entered so far. Bucsa should be able to extend her lead in the head-to-head.
Prediction: Bucsa in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports