Some of the most recognizable and popular names on the WTA tour will be heading to Tokyo for the Pan Pacific Open in September.
With the tournament being held the week after the US Open, this could be a chance for the women taking part to build on a positive run in New York, or rebound after disappointment.
Radwanska looks for her third title, faces stiff competition from fellow returnees
Agnieszka Radwanska, the winner last year, will be looking for her third title in Tokyo after also winning the tournament back in 2012.
The Pole could once again face the women she beat in the final last year, Belinda Bencic, who is also heading back to the Japanese capital. The Swiss will be looking to recapture some of her old form after an injury-plagued season.
Also returning are Karolina Pliskova and Dominika Cibulkova, who have both won multiple titles this season. Both women lost to Radwanska last year and are certainly capable of getting revenge this time around.
Spaniards Garbine Muguruza and Carla Suarez Navarro will also be back in action. Muguruza will be looking to go two steps further than her quarterfinal showing in 2015, whilst Suarez Navarro will be looking to improve on her second round loss to Cibulkova last year.
Halep and Safarova back
Two women, Simona Halep and Lucie Safarova, are heading back to Tokyo after recent absences from the tournament.
Safarova, who last played in the tournament two years ago, will be looking for some match wins after an injury-stricken season, which has never really got going for her. The Czech made the quarterfinal in 2014, losing to eventual champion Ana Ivanovic, who will not be in action this year.
After a slow start, Halep has had a pretty strong season and will certainly be one of the favorites for the title heading in. The Romanian last played in Tokyo in 2013, reaching the third round.
Home representation in Doi and Osaka
The fans in Tokyo will have some home stars to cheer on, with both Misaki Doi and Naomi Osaka looking to improve on first round loss last year.
Doi has had a pretty strong season so far (she currently sits at her career-high ranking of 32nd) and could go on a run in her nation’s capital. Osaka, one of the most exciting young stars on tour, could also cause trouble with her powerful game.