The WTA’s annual Asian swing starts in the Japanese capital this week as Tokyo hosts the Toray Pan Pacific Open, one of the WTA’s longest-running and most prestigious events.
Held in the Ariake tennis forest, the event lost some of its status a few years ago when Wuhan took over Tokyo’s Premier 5 status. Still, despite only being a regular Premier now, the tournament always attracts a strong field and 2016 is no difference, as there’s no shortage of quality players coming to the Japanese capital this year.
The field is led by 2015 champion Agnieszka Radwanska, who’s joined by Garbine Muguruza, Carla Suarez Navarro, US Open finalist Karolina Pliskova, Olympic gold medal winner Monica Puig, past champion Petra Kvitova and plenty of other interesting players.
The event has been heavily challenged by the elements this week, as Tokyo is facing steady rain showers. Thankfully, Ariake Coliseum has a full roof, but the tournament will still be struggling during the first days, since only one court is playable during rain showers.
Inside the Coliseum, fans got to cheer on their newest favorite, young Japanese player Naomi Osaka, who made the tournament’s second round. The 18-year-old was later joined by Monica Puig, who is also safely through to the second round.
Check back Women’s Tennis Blog all week for more tennis from Tokyo, rain or sunshine!
