The weather at the 2016 Toray Pan Pacific Open continued to present itself from its most ugly side on Tuesday. Non-stop rain showers meant any hope of play on the tournament’s outside courts was in vain.
While some first-round matches had to be moved to a remote indoors location, the Ariake Coliseum’s roof meant that six singles matches on Center Court could be completed in front of the crowd.
Those fans who braved the elements and made their way to Ariake Tennis Forest got to see some great tennis and witness some surprises. The first came in the morning when Petra Kvitova won her first-round match, watched by her new coach, Belgian Wim Fissette, who started working with the Czech Wimbledon champion on a trial basis, following Victoria Azarenka’s pregnancy.
In the evening, a sporting surprise was in store as the 2015 Toray Pan Pacific Open finalist Belinda Bencic failed to win her first match, losing what was a rematch of last year’s semifinals against Caroline Wozniacki in three sets.
In order to keep the fans entertained despite the weather, the tournament had several activities in store, one of which allowed three players to sample some local culture. Jessica Moore, Monica Puig & Agniesza Radwanska got to dress up in kimonos and play a Japanese variation of mini badminton with wooden rackets. The result was plenty of fun for everyone, as the players enjoyed sampling the new game in local attire.
The 2016 Toray Pan Pacific Open will continue on Wednesday, with the rain forecasted to stop for the first time in two days. Rain or shine, there will be plenty to see in Tokyo tomorrow, so keep checking back!
PHOTOS FROM PREVIOUS DAYS AT THE 2016 TORAY PAN PACIFIC OPEN:
