This week’s WTA 500 event in Tokyo doesn’t exactly feature the strongest field and it was further affected by several withdrawals, including that of No. 1 seed Jasmine Paolini, which led to a reshuffle of the draw. Still, even without the world’s best players, it’s sure to be a very entertaining tournament – and Day 2 offers some very engaging matchups.
WTA Tokyo Day 2 Predictions
Diana Shnaider vs. Dayana Yastremska
Face to face: Shnaider 1-1 Yastremska
Shnaider’s 2025 hasn’t been as strong as many expected after her breakthrough last year, but she’s still in the top 20 and with plenty of upside moving forward. She will look to finish the season strong, but here she faces the player who eliminated her at Roland Garros this year. It wasn’t a friendly draw, but at the same time it’s a good opportunity for revenge. This should be a close match, but Shnaider will have a slight advantage heading into the match.
Prediction: Schneider in 3
Moyuka Uchijima vs. Sofia Kenin
Face to face: Kenin 1-0 Uchijima
Kenin has had a decent season, but she has really struggled to win matches in recent months and especially here in Asia. This tournament is yet another chance to reverse that negative streak and on paper she has a very good draw here. Uchijima is a solid player and will play at home, but Kenin should ultimately be able to cope.
Prediction: Kenin in 3
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Victoria Mboko vs. Bianca Andreescu
Face to face: first meeting
This is undoubtedly the most interesting match of the day, between the former and the current hopes of Canadian tennis. One thing the two have in common is that they are in a very negative streak, with Mboko having failed to win a single match since her sensational title run at the Canada Masters and Andreescu having only one victory since July. A win here will be a huge boost for either player and both will do their best to get it, but at this point it’s possible that Andreescu’s superior experience on tour wins out.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
