CANBERRA/STARNBERG, January 5, 2025
Aoi Ito kicked off her 2025 season in style by capturing her first-ever WTA 125 title at the Workday Canberra International on Saturday. The 20-year-old Japanese rising star, seeded No. 7, triumphed over China’s Wei Sijia 6-4, 6-3 in a 74-minute final held in the Australian capital.
Separated by just eight spots in the WTA Rankings, with Ito ranked World No. 126 and Wei at No. 134, both players showcased impressive form throughout the tournament, reaching the final without dropping a set. However, it was Ito who dominated the championship match, overcoming her 21-year-old opponent to claim the title.
Ito’s path to victory included a semi-final win over top seed and defending champion Nuria Parrizas Diaz, dispatching the Spaniard 6-2, 6-2. With her breakthrough performance, Ito secured the trophy and made an emphatic statement to start her season.
“Congratulations, Ito-san, on winning the #CanberraInternational! I’m sure this victory will pave the way for even greater success at the Australian Open. Wishing you the best of luck! It was amazing to see young athletes from many countries playing so well.”-Amb Suzuki pic.twitter.com/luT28FhOWO
— Embassy of Japan in Australia (@JPEmbassyAU) January 4, 2025
The Workday Canberra International was held at the Canberra Tennis Centre in the capital city of Australia. Canberra is a vibrant and modern city known for its unique design and cultural significance. Located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), it was purpose-built as the nation’s capital in 1913, featuring a masterful layout by architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin.
Surrounded by bushland and nestled between Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra is home to iconic landmarks like Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the National Gallery of Australia. The city boasts a mix of natural beauty, with Lake Burley Griffin at its heart, and an array of museums, galleries, and festivals that celebrate Australia’s history and culture.
