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#2 Akane Yamaguchi
By Akane Yamaguchi’s lofty standards, her last few months on the BWF World Tour have been a struggle. The World No. 2 has failed to reach a final since finishing as the runner-up to Tai Tzu Ying at the All England Open in March. In between, she has been to semi-finals as many as four times, but could not cross that hurdle.
The Japanese has just one title to show for in what has been a quiet year for her so far. But now she has returned to a tournament where she has fond memories from last year as she made it to the final in 2017.
That could help her find her winning feel again. From the 21-17, 21-12 win that Yamaguchi posted against Michelle Li in the first round of the French Open 2018 on Tuesday, it is evident she is indeed feeling better and wants to reach the final Sunday again.
