Natsumi Kawaguchi vs Ayano Shimizu Head-to-Head Stats, Results & Performance Comparison

Analyzing second serve performance over the last six months, Shimizu has won 41.87% of points on their second serve, while Kawaguchi has secured 43.19%. This metric holds a strong correlation with match prediction accuracy. Additionally, when evaluating the return game performance, Shimizu has won 51.75% of their opponent's second serve points and 34.03% on first serve returns. In contrast, Kawaguchi has won 47.55% and 33.15% respectively. These statistics are critical in determining the favorite in this head-to-head matchup.

When it comes to handling pressure, Shimizu has successfully saved 39.62% of breakpoints in recent form, whereas Kawaguchi has a higher breakpoint save percentage at 47.4%. This statistic is particularly useful for in-game betting predictions. Over the past year, Shimizu has emerged victorious in 56.45% of matches played (W/L 35/27), compared to Kawaguchi's win percentage of 51.16% (W/L 22/21), providing an overall perspective on their rivalry’s prediction outlook.

Surface preferences also play a vital role in potential match outcomes. Shimizu shows a strong performance on clay surfaces with a career win percentage of 63% (W/L 31/18) and less success on hard courts with a 53% win rate (W/L 136/122). Conversely, Kawaguchi has excelled on grass with 63% (W/L 5/3) but struggled on indoor hard courts with a win rate of 40% (W/L 2/3). In terms of opponent quality, Shimizu has faced competitors with an average rank of 395.26, whereas Kawaguchi's opponents have had an average rank of 366.14 over the last 12 months.

Their head-to-head record also suggests Shimizu’s edge, having won two out of three encounters against Kawaguchi. Furthermore, in the six sets they played, Shimizu took four, including the latest match at the W 40 Hong Kong on July 4, 2023, where Shimizu triumphed 6-4, 7-5. Both players have never contested a tiebreak or deciding set in their direct confrontations, suggesting the match outcome could be determined in straight sets.

In tournaments, Shimizu has participated mostly in Challengers and ITF events > $10K with a match win rate of 58.18% (W/L 32/23), while Kawaguchi's win percentage stands at 51.28% (W/L 20/19) in similar competitive contexts. Shimizu also edges out in converting breakpoint opportunities, having a recent form conversion rate of 42.45% compared to Kawaguchi's 38.1%.

Taking into account these comprehensive comparisons and statistics, Shimizu appears to have the upper hand for the upcoming match against Kawaguchi, leveraging better win percentages and crucial in-game performances.