Japanese tennis stars serve up strong week ahead of Australian Open

Rising star Ito wins in Canberra, while veterans Osaka, Nishikori make finals

20250106 Aoi Ito, Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori

From left, Aoi Ito, Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori. The Japanese tennis players are performing well ahead of the Australian Open. © Kyodo

SOPHIE MAK, Nikkei staff writer

January 6, 2025 11:51 JST

SYDNEY -- Japanese tennis is bouncing back as players, including a resurgent Naomi Osaka, notch impressive performances in the new season's opening tournaments ahead of this month's Australian Open.

On Saturday, 20-year-old Aoi Ito kicked off her 2025 season with a career-defining win, capturing her first-ever WTA 125 title in Canberra, dominating China's Wei Sijia 6-4, 6-3 in a 74-minute final.