Iga Swiatek vs Mai Hontama Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Japan Open

Prediction published on 26/09/2023, 03:48  by Kennedy Kechula in Tennis Predictions

Top seed Iag Swiatek makes her tour return and will on Wednesday square off with qualifier Mai Hontama in Tokyo. The winner of this second-round tie will play either Kayla Day, Harriet Dart, or Veronika Kudermetova next. Iga Swiatek will play her first match since her disappointing exit at the US Open three weeks ago. The Pole was unable to defend her title and was eliminated in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows. Her disappointing run at the year’s last major also saw her lose her number-one world ranking. She is currently ranked second in the WTA. Swiatek has been one of the most dominant players in the Women’s game this season. She has compiled a 56-10 record and has won 30 of 37 matches on hard courts. Swiatek defeated Hontama at the French Open Juniors back in 2016.

Mai Hontama is playing in the main draw here for the fourth successive time. She recorded her best finish in Tokyo last season by making it to the quarterfinals. The Japanese number two will now hope support from the home crowd will propel her to her biggest career victory. Hontama started her campaign here in the qualifying rounds and has won her last three matches. She defeated compatriot Nao Hibino by the loss of six games in the first round. It was her third successive straight sets win and highlighted how strong she has been on the surface. She has recorded 29 of her 42 total victories in 2023 on hard courts and has won one ITF title on the surface. The 24-year-old is currently up 25 places to a new career-high live ranking of number 123.