Osaka’s Doubles Dominance: Ito and Sakamoto’s Unstoppable Partnership

Ito’s doubles triumph with partner Yosuke Watanuki—though initial reports named Sakamoto as his partner in some unverified sources—was the more dominant statement. The pair defeated Yuta Shimizu and Kaichi Ueda in the final, 6-4, 6-3, in a match that lasted just 85 minutes. Their efficiency was a masterclass in modern doubles tactics: relentless net play, precise serve-and-volley exchanges, and a suffocating baseline defense that left their opponents guessing.

Key Stat: Ito and Watanuki won 82% of their first-serve points in the final, a figure that underscores their dominance in the serve-and-volley era of doubles tennis.

🚨 BREAKING: Ryoma Ito wins both singles and doubles titles at the Japan Open Tennis Championships in Osaka! The first player to achieve this since 2016. 🎾🇯🇵 #ATPChallenger #JapaneseTennis

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 14, 2023

The Singles Final: Ito’s Clinical Masterclass Over Shimizu

If the doubles final was a statement of power, the singles final was a study in precision. Ito, ranked No. 187 in the world but already a fan favorite in Japan, faced off against Shimizu—a player who had reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 US Open. The match was a tactical chess game from the start, with Ito’s ability to dictate play from the baseline proving decisive.

Shimizu, known for his aggressive baseline game, struggled to find rhythm against Ito’s consistent 65-70% first-serve percentage and a return game that forced errors. The turning point came in the second set when Ito broke Shimizu’s serve at 3-3, sealing his victory 6-3, 6-4 in just under two hours.

Reader Handhold: For those unfamiliar with the Japan Open, this is a ATP Challenger Tour event (J1-7 category), meaning it offers 75 ATP points to the winner—a critical stepping stone for players aiming to break into the top 100. Ito’s victory moves him closer to that goal.

What This Means for Ito and Japanese Tennis

Ito’s double crown isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a cultural moment for Japanese tennis. Since Go Soeda’s ATP singles title in 2014, Japan has struggled to produce consistent top-tier results. Ito, at just 20 years old, is the most promising talent to emerge since Soeda, and his success in Osaka could accelerate his rise.

Numbers That Matter:

• Ito’s ATP ranking improved by 15 positions in the past month, thanks to his consistent form on the Challenger circuit.
• He’s now 1,200 points away from breaking into the top 150—a threshold that would significantly boost his entry into Grand Slam main draws.
• Japan’s men’s team has zero players in the top 200 since Soeda’s retirement, making Ito’s progress all the more critical.

For context, the last player to win both singles and doubles at the Japan Open was Tseng Chia-hsin in 2016—a Taiwanese player who, like Ito, was still in his early 20s. Ito’s achievement puts him in elite company and signals that Japanese tennis is finally producing a player capable of competing at the next level.

Tactical Breakdown: How Ito Won

Ito’s victories in Osaka weren’t just about raw talent—they were the result of meticulous preparation and tactical adjustments. Here’s how he did it:

• Serve-and-Volley Adaptation: While traditionally a baseline player, Ito has been refining his net game under coach Toshihide Matsui. In Osaka, he used short angles and precise volleys to disrupt his opponents’ rhythm, particularly in doubles.
• Baseline Consistency: His first-serve percentage of 68% in the singles final was a career high, and his return game—hitting 12 winners in the match—forced errors from both Shimizu and his doubles partners.
• Mental Resilience: Ito entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed in singles but faced early-round upsets. His ability to regroup and execute under pressure was evident in his semifinal win over Taisei Ichinohe, a player ranked 30 spots above him.

Coaching Insight: “Ryoma’s game has evolved rapidly this year,” Matsui told reporters after the tournament. “He’s not just a baseline grinder anymore—he’s a complete player. The key was making him comfortable at the net without losing his baseline foundation.”

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Ito?

Ito’s next major test comes at the Taipei Challenger in early November, where he’ll look to build on his momentum. If he continues this form, he could secure a wildcard entry into the ATP Finals next year—a longshot but not impossible given his rapid rise.

Schedule Highlights:

• November 6–12: Taipei Challenger (ATP Challenger Tour)
• December 4–10: Japan Open Tennis Championships (ATP Challenger Tour, 2024 edition)
• Wildcard Potential: If Ito maintains his top-150 ranking, he could earn a wildcard into the ATP Finals in Turin.

Beyond the schedule, Ito’s focus will be on refining his doubles partnership. While he and Watanuki had a strong run in Osaka, the ATP Challenger circuit is highly competitive, and Ito may look to pair with a more experienced player—such as Ben McLachlan or Ueda—to maximize his chances in the coming months.

Key Takeaways

• Historic Achievement: Ito became the first player since 2016 to win both singles and doubles at the Japan Open, joining an elite group of Japanese tennis champions.
• Tactical Evolution: His ability to blend serve-and-volley with baseline consistency marks a new phase in his game, one that could see him break into the top 100 next year.
• National Pride: Ito’s success is a rare bright spot for Japanese men’s tennis, which has struggled to produce top-tier results since Go Soeda’s retirement.
• Next Steps: Taipei Challenger and the 2024 Japan Open will be critical for Ito’s ATP ranking and potential wildcard opportunities.
• Doubles Potential: His partnership with Watanuki is promising, but Ito may seek a more experienced doubles partner to compete at higher levels.

How to Follow Ito’s Journey

For fans looking to track Ito’s progress, here are the best resources:

• ATP Player Profile – Official rankings, upcoming matches, and tournament results.
• ITF Player Page – Detailed match history and performance stats.
• Japan Tennis Association (JTA) – Official updates from Japan’s governing body.
• Ito’s Twitter – Direct updates from the player himself (when active).