This week\u2019s WTA 500 event in Tokyo doesn\u2019t exactly feature the strongest field and it wasn\u2019t helped by several withdrawals, including that of #1 seed Jasmine Paolini, which led to the draw being reshuffled. Still, even with the absence of the world\u2019s top players, it will still surely be a very entertainment tournament and this Day 2 features some very appealing matchups.<\/p>\n
WTA Tokyo Day 2 Predictions
\nAlina Charaeva vs Jaqueline Cristian<\/p>\n
Head-to-head:<\/strong> Cristian 1-0 Charaeva<\/p>\n Cristian is just off a great week in Osaka, where she reached the semifinals and came really close to making it to the final. She is playing some excellent tennis right now and will have another opportunity for a strong run this year. On paper at least she has a great first round draw to shed the disappointment of the semifinal loss in Osaka. Charaeva played well in qualifying but Cristian should be a step too far for her at this point. Wakana Sonobe vs Nikola Bartunkova<\/p>\n Head-to-head:<\/strong> first meeting<\/p>\n Based on ranking, this is arguably the least glamorous match of the week, but it should still be quite an interesting one. Bartunkova is clearly the better and more solid player of the two, but Sonobe is playing at home and will have that extra motivation. She was unlucky to face Naomi Osaka<\/a> in the first round last week, but she should have a much better chance here and at least make it competitive. Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n Leylah Fernandez vs Maria Sakkari<\/p>\n
Prediction:<\/strong> Cristian in 2<\/p>\n
Prediction:<\/strong> Bartunkova in 3<\/p>\n