The first day of the WTA Hong Kong Open will be marked by an intergenerational clash between Maya Joint, 19, and Anastasija Sevastova, 35. Who will reach the second round of the tournament?
WTA Hong Kong Day 1 Predictions
Maddison Inglis vs. Yafan Wang
Face to face: first meeting
Maddison Inglis’ record in WTA qualifying this season is decent. But the 27-year-old struggled to make an impression in the main draw. If she wants to achieve a rare victory at this level, this would be a great match for the world number 167. Yafan Wang has played 17 matches all season due to injuries and the Chinese player is far from the form that once elevated her into the top 50.
Prediction: Inglis in 3
Momoko Kobori vs. Ajla Tomljanovic
Face to face: first meeting
Momoko Kobori saved a match point in the final qualifying round and won a three-hour match against Xiaodi You to reach the Hong Kong main draw. Kobori’s first qualifying round wasn’t as dramatic as she beat compatriot Ikumi Yamazaki. However, she faces a seasoned opponent at Tour level, Ajla Tomljanovic. The former world number 32 has a strong chance of making the top 100 and has won five of her last seven matches. Tomljanovic has the momentum to make short work of qualifying.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 2
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Maya Joint vs. Anastasija Sevastova
Face to face: first meeting
Maya Joint has been a breath of fresh air on the WTA Tour. The young Australian has taken on all competitors without any fear in her first full season and currently sits at a career-high 32nd in the world. Anastasija Sevastova’s comeback season was not as productive. The veteran has won 10 of 21 matches in 2025. Sevastova still possesses an exceptional slice that could test Joint’s patience, but the youngster has the legs to turn the Latvian’s best shot into a liability.
Prediction: Joint in 2
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
