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Japanese Qualifier Ito Stuns Kenin, Cocciaretto to Reach First Tour-Level Quarterfinal

Posted : 16 October 2024

The 20-year-old Japanese qualifier has made a stunning entrance into her first tour-level quarterfinal, pulling off two significant upsets. In her opening match, she engineered a thrilling comeback from a 5-2 deficit in the final set to defeat former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.

 

She followed up this performance with a decisive 6-4, 6-3 victory over No. 8 seed Elisabetta Cocciaretto, marking her first win against a Top 50 player. This quarterfinal spot continues her momentum from a nine-match winning streak, including an ITF W50 title win in Nanao just three weeks prior.

 

Ito’s playing style, unconventional and crafty, has contributed significantly to her success. Her game includes unexpected forehand slices, sudden net approaches, and strategic shifts in speed and direction that often leave opponents unbalanced.

 

Against Kenin, she alternated deep forehand chips with surprise drop-shot winners, while Cocciaretto struggled with Ito’s array of spins and deceptive moves. These unique tactics make her playstyle challenging to predict and counter.

 

Ito’s creative approach to the game places her in the company of other non-traditional players like Monica Niculescu and Hsieh Su-Wei. In a 2022 interview with “The Digest”, Ito shared that Hsieh has been a key inspiration, helping her embrace her own unique strengths. “The player I admire is Hsieh Su-Wei,” she said, explaining that despite her slim frame, she is determined to find ways to overcome physically stronger opponents by developing an unpredictable game.

 

As she progresses in Osaka, Ito has managed to keep her ambitions grounded. Following her win over Kenin, she admitted that her initial goal had simply been to win two games per set. This measured approach has kept her focused and relaxed, a mindset she plans to maintain in her upcoming quarterfinal match against Eva Lys. Reflecting on her previous rounds, Ito humorously noted her evolving goal: “First round, I tried to get two games. Second round, I wanted to get four games. So next round, I’ll try to get six games!”

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