WTA Tokyo Day 1 Predictions
Wang Xinyu vs Varvara Gracheva
Head-to-head: first meeting
Wang Xinyu is one of the most aggressive baseliners on tour, and the 24-year-old famously hit through the field in Berlin earlier this year en route to the final, where she fell just short of winning the title. Wang has since replicated that level in a couple of hard-court tournaments, but she has struggled immensely to get any wins over the last few weeks, with her game all over the place. Varvara Gracheva is more stable and has the patience to outlast more erratic hitters. She also looked sharp in coming through the qualifying with wins over Emiliano Arango and Maddison Inglis.
Prediction: Gracheva in 2
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McCartney Kessler vs Cristina Bucsa
Head-to-head: Kessler 1-0 Bucsa
This might look like a straightforward match on paper for McCartney Kessler, but the American nearly lost to Cristina Bucsa back in Austin earlier this year and will need to be on her guard when she renews her rivalry with the Spaniard having needed a final set tiebreak to see off the Spaniard in Texas. Bucsa has quietly built a solid case for being a serial counterpuncher. Timing is key for Kessler and she will need to finish points much quicker to avoid a potential upset.
Prediction: Kessler in 2
Maya Joint vs Viktorija Golubic
Head-to-head: Joint 1-0 Golubic
With Daria Kasatkina shutting down her season early, Maya Joint is poised to finish 2025 as the top-ranked Australian player on the WTA Tour. The 19-year-old has enjoyed an incredible first full season at the top level and is within four spots of the top 30. There’s no ceiling to what she can achieve, and she’s confirmed her name as one of the rising stars. But as the season comes to a close, Joint’s form is fading (one win in her last four matches) and Viktorija Golubic has steady hands to outplay the youngster in tactical battle – though it may be close.
Prediction: Golubic in 3
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images