Japan Women's Open 2024: Sofia Kenin vs Aoi Ito preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (WC) Sofia Kenin vs (Q) Aoi Ito
Date: 14 October, 2024
Tournament: 2024 Japan Women's Open
Round: First Round (Round of 32)
Venue: Utsubo Tennis Center, Osaka, Japan
Category: WTA 250
Surface: Hardcourt
Prize Money: $259,303
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN & TVA
Sofia Kenin vs Aoi Ito preview
Wild card Sofia Kenin will begin her 2024 Japan Open campaign with a first-round clash against local qualifier Aoi Ito on Monday, October 14. The winner will move on to face either eighth seed Elisabetta Cocciaretto or lucky loser Jessika Ponchet in the second round.
Kenin 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 on the other hand is set to make her WTA main draw debut in Tokyo. She has primarily competed on the ITF circuit, where she has won two titles in five finals.
Ito 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 vs Aoi Ito head-to-head
Sofia Kenin and Aoi Ito have yet to face off in professional competition. As such, their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.
Sofia Kenin vs Aoi Ito odds
(Odds will be added once available)
Sofia Kenin vs Aoi Ito prediction
Sofia Kenin has struggled this season by her lofty standards, and will be eager to finish the year on a positive note. The former Grand Slam champion has managed just three wins in her last nine matches since the hardcourt swing began after Wimbledon. She will, however, enter her first-round clash more confident, given her opponent's relative lack of experience.
The 20-year-old Aoi Ito, making her WTA main draw debut, has impressed on the ITF circuit but faces a steep challenge in transitioning to the professional tour. Having already come through the qualifiers, fatigue could be a factor, and despite the support of the home crowd, this matchup against a seasoned player like Kenin will be a significant test.
Kenin is expected to advance comfortably, provided there are no big surprises. While Ito is likely to put up a fight in front of her home fans, Kenin should secure a straight-sets victory.
Pick: Kenin to win in straight sets.