Alexandra Eala plays her first match of the week here after a first-round bye as the third seed. World No. 18 is the highest ranking of her career and she arrives in Singapore as one of the genuine title contenders in a draw that lost Amanda Anisimova to a wrist injury before it began.
Tatiana Prozorova got through a scrappy opener against Sofia Costoulas, losing the first set 5-7 before recovering to win 7-6(2), 6-2. That is two hours of court time and useful rhythm against an opponent who has not hit a competitive ball since arriving.
That is the honest risk in this match. Seeds coming off byes at indoor events frequently start slowly, and Prozorova has the baseline consistency to make a flat opening expensive. She does not have the weapons to hurt Eala over three sets, but she can extend rallies and wait.
Eala's lefty serve and her ability to redirect pace down the line should settle things once she is warm. Expect a set of adjustment before the level separates.
Eala in three.