Mon Oct 14 07:20:33 UTC 2024: ## Japanese Qualifier Aoi Ito Upsets Former Grand Slam Champion Sofia Kenin at Japan Open
**Tokyo, Japan** – In a stunning upset, 20-year-old Japanese qualifier Aoi Ito defeated former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in the first round of the Kinoshita Group Japan Open. Ito, ranked No. 188, came back from a 5-2 deficit in the third set to secure the victory, extending her winning streak to an impressive eight matches.
This was Ito’s first appearance in the main draw of a WTA tournament. Her victory comes just three weeks after claiming the title at the Nanao ITF W50. The young qualifier will now face the winner of the match between Zhang Shuai and Yuan Yue in the second round.
Kenin, once ranked as high as No. 4 in the world, has struggled to regain her form since her breakthrough win in Melbourne in 2020. She is currently ranked No. 241. Ito’s win is a significant upset and a testament to her rising talent.
First Piper 