Sofia Kenin had just reached her first final in over a year at the Tokyo Open.
Kenin set up a Tokyo Open final against China’s Qinwen Zheng, after beating Katie Boulter earlier on Saturday.
The American won the 2020 Australian Open title, reaching a career-high of number four in the world in the process.
After struggling with form on the WTA Tour in 2021, Kenin suffered an injury in 2022 that saw her miss the majority of the season.
2023 saw a brief upturn in form, however, Kenin’s win over Emma Raducanu at the US Open was her best result of 2024 to date.
The American had won just four matches in 2024 before this week but doubled her tally with a much-needed strong campaign in Japan.
Things were looking up for Kenin before she suffered another unfortunate setback.
Sofia Kenin suffers injury ahead of Tokyo Open final against Qinwen Zheng
Kenin had beaten Brit Katie Boulter in straight sets earlier in the day to reach the Tokyo Open final before she took part in the doubles semi-finals alongside partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands.
Kenin suffered an injury during the first set of the semi-final and was forced to retire from the match.
The 25-year-old can be seen crying after suffering another injury, putting her participation in the Tokyo Final against Zheng at risk.
It remains to be season whether or not Kenin will be fit enough to take part in Sunday’s final, but from her reaction, the early signs don’t look too promising.
How good has Qinwen Zheng been in 2024?
Regardless of Kenins’ injury status, she was always going to be up against it, facing off against an in-form Zheng.
Her impressive 2024 has seen her burst into the WTA top ten, with Zheng winning an Olympic gold medal, beating Iga Swiatek on her way to the title.
The Asian swing of the season has been particularly strong for the Chinese star, as Zheng lost the Wuhan final to Sabalenka, and reached the semi-finals in Beijing.
Another strong period of Zheng’s breakout season.
Zheng’s best results in 2024
- Australian Open (Grand Slam) – Lost in final to Aryna Sabalenka
- Palermo Open (WTA 250) – Won against Karolina Muchova
- Paris Olympics – Won against Donna Vekic
- Wuhan Open (WTA 1000) – Lost in final to Aryna Sabalenka
- Tokyo Open (WTA 500) – Final TBD
At just 22 years old Zheng has had an incredible season on the WTA Tour, rising to a career-high ranking of seventh in the world.
The Chinese star will head to Saudi Arabia for the WTA Finals in November, where she will hope to finish off her breakout year with another big title.
Zheng and Kenin are set to face off in the Tokyo Open Final on Sunday.
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