Zheng is preparing for the final in Tokyo against Kenin

By Alberto Amalfi | @Tennis_Now | Saturday, October 26, 2024

A red-hot one Zheng Qinwen will face a resurgence Sofia Kenin for the title in Tokyo on Sunday.

Olympic champion Zheng defeated Diana Schneider She reached her second consecutive final at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo with a score of 7-6(5), 6-3.

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Previously, world number 155 Kenin was ranked ninth Katie Boulter 6-4, 6-4 in the first semifinal of the day.

2020 Australian Open champion Kenin is in her first tour-level singles final since San Diego last year.

Kenin served 73 percent and saved four of five break points to beat Boulter for the second time in as many meetings.

Former world No. 4 Kenin is playing for her sixth career singles championship, including her first since 2020 in Lyon.

A storming Zheng, who defeated Leylah Fernandez in a three-set quarterfinal, hit seven aces in an hour and 49 minutes against a double fault in the battle against Shnaider.

It is Zheng’s 27th victory in her last 31 matches since Wimbledon.

World No. 7 Zheng reached her second consecutive final – she finished second to Aryna Sabalenka in Wuhan two weeks ago – and her second consecutive Tokyo final after qualifying for the 2022 title fight.

Zheng, the 2023 WTA Most Improved Player, will face Kenin for the first time on Sunday.