The first day of main draw action at the 2022 WTA Pan Pacific Open in Taokyo has six matches on the schedule, including is a very interesting all-American clash between Alison Riske-Amritraj and Claire Liu. Who do you think will advance?
WTA Tokyo Day 1 Predictions
Xinyu Wang vs Ellen Perez
Head-to-head: First meeting
Ellen Perez was recently on a nine-match losing streak, but she managed to get out of it in Toronto and qualified for the event here. She’s much better in doubles than in singles and only owns one WTA Tour main draw win in her career. Xinyu Wang was a potential breakout not so long ago, but she’s been struggling of late, only winning one match since the grass season. The Chinese talent should still prevail, but it’s likely going to be messier than it should be.
Prediction: Wang in 3
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Xiaodi You vs Despina Papamichail
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s a matchup of two qualifiers as Xiaodi You takes on Despina Papamichail. The Greek snapped her six-match losing streak, while Xiaodi You scored a class upset over Carol Zhao. Both players are sitting on a win rate below 50% for the season. It might not be pretty and it’s also likely going to be very unpredictable. Who takes this coin flip? It’s very hard to tell, but the Chinese probably has a slight edge, having performed much better on hard courts than Papamichail this year.
Prediction: You in 3
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Claire Liu vs Alison Riske-Amritraj
Head-to-head: First meeting
Claire Liu hasn’t won since Toronto as the American drew Anastasia Potapova in the first round at both the US Open and Portoroz. Is Alison Riske-Amritraj an easier draw? If so, then only slightly. The 32-year-old had a huge run in New York and while her Asian swing began with a surprising exit to Anastasia Gasanova in Chennai, she should perform better now after having some time to get used to the conditions. Riske’s big serve is going to put Liu under plenty of pressure.
Prediction: Riske-Amritraj in 3
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