China’s Qinwen Zheng, currently ranked seventh in the world, has made it to the finals of the WTA Tokyo Open after a strong season, defeating Russia’s Diana Shnaider 7-6(5), 6-3 in the semifinals. Zheng, who has enjoyed a breakthrough year, reached her second consecutive WTA final; just two weeks ago, she fought in the Wuhan final but fell to Aryna Sabalenka. Now, Zheng will be vying for her third title of the season, following victories in Palermo and the Paris Olympics.
Kenin Earns a Spot in Final with Wild Card Run
American Sofia Kenin, a former Australian Open champion and current world No. 155, has defied the odds in Tokyo, progressing to her first final since 2020 after defeating Britain’s Katie Boulter 6-4, 6-4. Playing on a wildcard entry, Kenin seeks her first WTA title in three years, a significant achievement after an extended hiatus from the top of the women’s game. The Tokyo final offers Kenin, who has five career titles to her name, a chance to lift her sixth.
A First-Time Clash with High Stakes
This Tokyo final marks the first meeting between Zheng and Kenin, adding a layer of intrigue to the championship. Both players have demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience in their paths to the final, setting the stage for an exciting showdown. Zheng, with three career titles and four runner-up finishes, hopes to clinch a win in Tokyo after finishing as a finalist here in 2022. Kenin, meanwhile, aims to make a triumphant return to the winner’s circle, her first since her breakout season in 2020. The final will unfold this Sunday, with fans eager to witness who will capture the Tokyo crown.
