The Toray Pan Pacific Open is set to commence on Saturday, featuring the first round of qualifiers where six players will advance to join the main draw of 28 competitors.
Top-seed in the qualifiers, Marie Bouzkova, leads a strong field that includes Ashlyn Krueger, the fourth seed, and fellow American Hailey Baptiste, the 10th seed. Notably, former World No. 3 Maria Sakkari will also compete, adding to the challenge of securing a spot in the main event.
In addition, several prominent players have confirmed their presence at the WTA 500 event in Tokyo next week, including Jasmine Paolini, Elena Rybakina, and Ekaterina Alexandrova. Japanese tennis player Moyuka Uchijima has been granted a wildcard, enhancing local interest in the tournament.
Here is a preview of the first-round qualifying matches:
In the opening match, Ashlyn Krueger will face Dalma Galfi. Krueger, currently ranked World No. 48, is amidst a four-match losing streak, with her last victory occurring in August. On the contrary, Galfi has been displaying a better form in qualifiers, winning several matches recently though she has struggled in main draws. This may give Galfi an advantage, with a prediction of a win for her in three sets.
Hailey Baptiste will take on Elena Gabriela Ruse in a match where Baptiste shows promise amid a mixed season, holding a 28-23 record. Ruse, too, has experienced ups and downs, maintaining a 9-6 record this year but has had a notable runner-up finish in Libema. Given their recent forms, Ruse is predicted to edge out Baptiste in three sets.
Marie Bouzkova is projected to secure a straightforward victory against Kimberly Birrell in straight sets.
Further matches feature Nao Hibino versus Cristina Bucsa, with Hibino favored to win in three sets, and Ena Shibahara is anticipated to triumph over Rebecca Sramkova in straight sets. Other matches include predictions favoring Alina Charaeva, Anna Blinkova, Viktorija Golubic, Maria Sakkari, Eva Lys, and Suzan Lamens in their respective matchups.
With exciting matchups and competitive players, the qualifying rounds of the Toray Pan Pacific Open promise to be thrilling, setting the stage for an engaging tournament as players vie for their chance in the main draw.