S. Dippenaar comes into this match in difficult form — 0 wins from the last 1.

M. Lajal has been inconsistent recently, going 3–2 over the last five matches. Form is mixed — DS ranging from -9.9 to 24.5, with at least one match where M. Lajal was clearly outplayed. The serve has been a concern — averaging only 6.0/10, leaving M. Lajal vulnerable on second serve and facing frequent return pressure.