Sofia Kenin produced a gritty performance at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, advancing into the semifinals after a dramatic three-set victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova (6-0, 2-6, 7-6 (3) on Friday.
The match swung wildly. Kenin dominated the first set 6-0, but then Alexandrova roared back to take the second 6-2. In the deciding set, Kenin found herself trailing 5-2 and faced four match points before saving them all and forcing a tiebreak, which she won convincingly.
This win marks a significant moment in Kenin’s season. After a period in which she struggled for consistency and had a main-draw record of 9-15 between April and this event, her resilience in Tokyo suggests a resurgence.
Her next challenge: she will face Belinda Bencic in the semifinals. Bencic also prevailed in a tight three-set match (3-6, 7-5, 7-5) to reach the last four.
Beyond the individuals, this result adds further intrigue to the tournament as well as the closing stretch of the season. With players like Elena Rybakina and Linda Noskova also advancing in Tokyo, the field is shaping up for compelling semifinal match-ups.
For Kenin, this could be a rebirth of form. Her defence of match points under pressure is a strong indicator of improved mental toughness and match-awareness—two qualities often cited as crucial for deep runs in high-level tournaments. Her ability to dominate early, wobble, and then regroup to win is a positive sign moving forward.
If she can maintain this head-space and build on her performance, she may not only compete for the Tokyo title but also shift momentum into the end of season swing. With form, fitness, and confidence aligning, Kenin’s semifinal berth in Tokyo is more than just another result—it’s a statement.
