There are seven matches scheduled on the second day of the WTA Tokyo Open. Three players have withdrawn, but the draw remains strong. There are seven intriguing matches on day two in Tokyo and as always we at LWOT also have an article predicting the other four matches in Tokyo- including Daria Kasatkina vs Marta Kostyuk. Which players do you think will advance to the next round?
WTA Tokyo Day 2 Predictions
Natsumi Kawaguchi vs Despina Papamichail
Head-to-head: first meeting
This is a great opportunity for both players to get a valuable WTA main draw victory. Each woman did well to progress through qualifying to reach the main draw. Natsumi Kawaguchi does have the advantage of a home crowd supporting her, which can inspire so many players. But it is Despina Papamichail with the ranking advantage. She is currently #220 in the world, but has been as high as #143. Kawaguchi is ranked #388. It is not an easy contest to predict. Nonetheless, I do expect the greater class of Papamichail to triumph over the local favourite at the WTA Tokyo Open.
Prediction: Papamichail in 3
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Donna Vekic vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Head-to-head: first meeting
It is somewhat surprising that these two have never previously met. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is a Grand Slam finalist, while Donna Vekic is a two-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist. However, they are currently at very different levels. The Croatian is ranked inside the top 20, while Pavlyuchenkova is only just inside the Top 100. The aggressive groundstrokes of Vekic are very likely to overwhelm her struggling opponent at the WTA Tokyo Open. Clay represents Pavlyuchenkova’s best opportunity to compete against Vekic, since it is the Croat’s weakest surface by far. But on a hard court it should be more comfortable for the world #20.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
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Misaki Doi vs Petra Martic
Head-to-head: Doi 1-1 Martic
There will be an emotionally charged atmosphere for the final match of the second day at the WTA Tokyo Open. This is Misaki Doi’s final professional tournament, after she announced her retirement due to persistent back injuries. Hopefully Doi can produce a good performance to mark her excellent career, regardless of the result. Naturally, much higher-ranked opponent does enter this one as a strong favourite. Petra Martic is also very experienced, and seems perfectly suited to staying focused in an emotional atmosphere. The quality of tennis that has kept her inside the Top 50 is likely to to be enough to win. However, I do expect Doi to put in a competitive display in her final ever match.
Prediction: Martic in 2
Main photo credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
