Match Preview: Sara Saito vs. Sayaka Ishii – Cathay Pacific Open
In the first round of the Cathay Pacific Open in Tokyo, Sara Saito faces Sayaka Ishii, both vying for a spot in the second round against qualifier Zeynep Sonmez.
Player Profiles:
- Sara Saito: Currently ranked 158th, she has risen to a career-high 155th in the live rankings. Saito reached the quarter-finals in her last WTA 125 event in Osaka, defeating two players ranked in the top 65. Initially eliminated in qualifying by Sonmez, she entered the main draw as a lucky loser.
- Sayaka Ishii: Now ranked 279th, Ishii has climbed to 267th thanks to her progress in this tournament. A win would bring her to a career-high of 262nd. The 19-year-old won two qualifying matches, the last against Clara Tauson after coming back from a first-set loss (1-6).
Prediction:
Considering her recent form and experience, we tip Sara Saito to win this match.