Japanese qualifier Aoi Ito edged out American wildcard Sofia Kenin in a three-setter on Monday. She’ll play the winner of the match between French Jessika Ponchet and Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto next.
Japanese qualifier Aoi Ito moved into the second round of the Osaka Open by edging out American wildcard Sofia Kenin 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 at the Utsubo Tennis Center on Monday.
Ito, ranked No 188, will face the winner of the match between French lucky loser Jessika Ponchet and Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto, the No 8 seed, next.
Aoi Ito's Road to the Second Round
Ito's victory over Kenin was a significant upset, given the former's lack of experience on the WTA tour. Ito has primarily competed on the ITF circuit, where she has won two titles in five finals. She earned her spot in the main draw through the qualifiers, stunning fourth seed Emina Bektas 6-3, 6-4, in the first round before pulling off a remarkable comeback win over tenth seed Arianne Hartono, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, in the second round.
Sofia Kenin's struggles continue
Kenin, a former Grand Slam champion, has struggled this season, holding a 10-23 match record. Her best results have been third-round appearances at the French Open and Italian Open. The highlight of the second half of her year was a first-round victory over Emma Raducanu at the US Open, though her run ended in the next round with a loss to compatriot and eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula.
Kenin most recently competed at the Wuhan Open, where she lost a close three-setter to Ekaterina Alexandrova, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, in the first round.
Ito's Triumph Against Kenin
Kenin, despite her experience, has been inconsistent in recent matches. She has managed just three wins in her last nine matches since the hardcourt swing began after Wimbledon. This was evident in her first-round encounter against Ito, where she struggled to find her rhythm. Ito, on the other hand, capitalized on Kenin's inconsistency and her own strong performance in the qualifiers, proving she's not afraid of the big stage.
Ito's win over Kenin highlights the growing strength of Japanese tennis. With a talented young generation of players emerging, Japanese tennis is poised for a resurgence on the world stage. Ito's victory in Osaka serves as a testament to the potential of Japanese players, demonstrating their ability to compete with the best in the world.
Looking Ahead
Ito will be looking to continue her impressive run in the Osaka Open, while Kenin will be hoping to bounce back from this disappointing loss. It's a testament to the unpredictability of the sport that a relatively unknown player like Ito can topple a former Grand Slam champion. This result will be a valuable learning experience for Kenin, while Ito's triumph will give her the confidence she needs to continue her ascent in the world of professional tennis.
Ito's victory is a reminder that anything can happen in tennis. The sport has a long history of upsets, and Ito's win over Kenin is just the latest example of this. It's also a sign of the changing landscape of women's tennis, with young players like Ito challenging the established order.
Ito's next challenge: Jessika Ponchet or Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Ito's second-round opponent will be either French lucky loser Jessika Ponchet or Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto, the No 8 seed. Both Ponchet and Cocciaretto are talented players, and it will be a tough match for Ito, regardless of who she faces. But Ito has proven that she's capable of playing at a high level, and she'll be looking to continue her winning ways.
The Future is Bright for Ito
This victory is a major step forward for Ito, who is now on the verge of a breakthrough in her career. The Japanese qualifier is a rising star in the world of tennis, and her victory in Osaka is a sign of things to come.
While Kenin's struggles continue, it will be fascinating to see how Ito handles her newfound success. With this win, she's proven she can compete with the best in the world, and she'll be aiming for bigger and better things in the future.
