Tokyo 2024 Final: Sofia Kenin vs Zheng Qinwen preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick | Toray Pan Pacific Open
Match Details
Fixture: (WC) Sofia Kenin vs (1) Zheng Qinwen
Date: 26 October 2024 (US & Canada) & 27 October 2024 (Tokyo, UK, & India)
Time: 8:30 a.m. JST, 7:30 p.m. ET, 12:30 a.m. BST, & 5:00 a.m. IST
Tournament: Toray Pan Pacific Open 2024
Round: Final
Venue: Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan
Category: WTA 500
Surface: Hardcourt (Outdoor)
Winner's Prize Money: $922,573
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - DAZN
Sofia Kenin vs Zheng Qinwen preview
In a thrilling finale at the 2024 Toray Pan Pacific Open, wildcard Sofia Kenin is set to face top-seeded Zheng Qinwen for the title.
Kenin might have had a quiet year leading up to Tokyo, but her form this week has been reminiscent of the old. She began her campaign with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 victory over 10th-seeded Wang Xinyu. She then staged a remarkable comeback against Danish lucky loser Clara Tauson in the second round, recovering from a set down to clinch a nail-biting 6-7 (8), 6-4, 7-6 (6) win.
Kenin continued her impressive run by dominating third-seed Daria Kasatkina in the quarterfinals, securing a decisive 6-3, 6-4 victory to reach her first semifinal of the season. In the semifinals, she maintained her momentum with a comfortable 6-4, 6-4 win over Katie Boulter.
Meanwhile, top seed Zheng Qinwen has also been in outstanding form in Tokyo, vying for her second title of the season. After a first-round bye, Zheng kicked off her campaign with a convincing 7-5, 6-0 win over Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima in the second round.
Zheng was put to the sword by Leylah Fernandez in the quarterfinals but used her experience to prevail 6-0, 1-6, 6-3 in a topsy-turvy encounter. In the semifinals, she overcame a resilient Diana Shnaider in a tight 7-6 (5), 6-3 battle in front of a packed Ariake Coliseum.
Sofia Kenin vs Zheng Qinwen head-to-head
Kenin and Zheng have yet to face off in professional competition; so, their head-to-head stands at 0-0.
Sofia Kenin vs Zheng Qinwen odds
(Odds sourced from BetMGM)
Sofia Kenin vs Zheng Qinwen prediction
Sofia Kenin has shown exceptional form this week but faced a setback after her singles match on Saturday. She sustained an injury during her doubles encounter alongside partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands, forcing her to retire at 2-5 in the first set. The severity of the injury remains uncertain, casting doubt on her fitness for the final against a red-hot Zheng Qinwen.
Zheng, meanwhile, has maintained her strong form from her recent impressive run in Wuhan, showcasing a powerful serve and consistent baseline play. The slower Tokyo courts have complemented her game, bolstering her chances as she enters her third final of the season, holding a 1-1 record in title matches so far.
Having had an outstanding 2024 season, especially in recent months, Zheng is the clear favorite to win the final. While Kenin has been impressive this week, matching Zheng’s current level could be a formidable challenge.
Pick: Zheng to win in straight sets.