Ayano Shimizu vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto Preview & Prediction | 2026 Hobart International | First Round

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

Ayano Shimizu takes on Elisabetta Cocciaretto in Hobart.

Ranking points: WTA 250

Start date/time:

Venue: Hobart International Tennis Centre, Hobart, Australia

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Ayano Shimizu vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto ticket information

Ayano Shimizu vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto prediction

Elisabetta Cocciaretto will be a strong favourite to progress to the round of 16 in Hobart.

The Italian has made a bright start to 2026, posting her first win in Auckland and breezing through qualifying here without dropping a set.

The world number 81 takes on a Japanese underdog sitting 330 places below her in the rankings, who has never won a main draw WTA match.

Shimizu also came through qualifying to end a four-match losing sequence in lower tier events, but given the 27-year-old has never made an impression at the top level, this is likely to be a hurdle too high given the Italian’s recent form.

Ayano Shimizu vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto tip: Elisabetta Cocciaretto to win 2-0