Y. Kawahashi comes into this match in difficult form — 1 wins from the last 5. Point statistics tell a concerning story — average DS of -8.9, meaning Y. Kawahashi has been on the wrong side of most exchanges over five matches. The serve has been a concern — averaging only 5.4/10, leaving Y. Kawahashi vulnerable on second serve and facing frequent return pressure. Good performance in key moments — break point efficiency of +22 over the last five.

R. Taguchi has been inconsistent recently, going 3–2 over the last five matches. Point statistics tell a concerning story — average DS of -2.8, meaning R. Taguchi has been on the wrong side of most exchanges over five matches. Serve quality has been average (6.5/10) — neither a weapon nor a significant liability. Break point efficiency is a red flag — R. Taguchi has been losing the important points, with a BP efficiency of -27 over recent matches.