Hong Kong Open 2024: Katie Boulter vs Aoi Ito preview, head-to-head, prediction and pick
Match Details
Fixture: Katie Boulter vs Aoi Ito
Date: October 29, 2024
Tournament: Hong Kong Open 2024
Round: First Round (Round of 16)
Venue: Hong Kong, China
Category: WTA 250
Surface: Hard (Outdoor)
Prize Money: $267,082
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | Canada - TSN
Katie Boulter vs Aoi Ito preview
Second seed Katie Boulter will take on Aoi Ito in the first round of the Hong Kong Open on Tuesday.
Boulter is constantly improving her game at the highest level. She's chalked up 30 wins from 51 matches, including title-winning runs in the Nottingham Open and the San Diego Open. She also reached the fourth round of the Miami Open, where she lost to Victoria Azarenka in straight sets.
The Brit will enter Hong Kong on the back of a semifinal appearance in Tokyo. She outfoxed the likes of Kyoka Okamura and Bianca Andreescu en route to the last four but couldn't make her mark against Sofia Kenin. The American defeated Boulter in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.
Meanwhile, Aoi Ito, has played most of her tennis on the ITF circuit this year. She made her main draw debut in Osaka this month and stunned the women's locker room with a semifinal run.
Ito entered the main draw of the Japan Open via the qualifiers and then outsmarted Sofia Kenin, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, and Eva Lys en route to the semifinals. Despite a valiant effort against Kimberly Birrel in the last four, the Australian defeated her in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.
Katie Boulter vs Aoi Ito head-to-head
The head-to-head between the duo is locked at 0-0.
Katie Boulter vs Aoi Ito odds
Odds will be updated when available.
Katie Boulter vs Aoi Ito prediction
Boulter would have fancied her chances of winning the Japan Open last week but was stunned by Sofia Kenin in the last four. She will have another chance to claim her third title of the season in Hong Kong and cap off a promising year on tour. Her steady all-around game and anticipation skills on the court have allowed her to gain the upper hand in matches.
Aoi Ito, meanwhile, has reached five finals on the ITF circuit this year and made a splendid debut in the Japan Women's Open. She also claimed titles in the W50 Nanao and W15 Kawaguchi, alongside a runner-up finish in the W75 Burnie event in May. The Japanese seem to be a quick learner on tour and will be one to watch out for in the Hong Kong Open this week.
Considering their record on the main tour and results this year, Boulter will be a clear favorite to come out on top. Ito could present a tricky challenge in the first round, but the second seed should be able to find her range and begin with a potent win in Hong Kong.
Pick: Boulter to win in straight sets.