Aoi Ito, Japan’s rising tennis star, has quickly become a name to watch in 2025. Known for her unorthodox playing style and tactical brilliance, the 20-year-old has climbed the rankings with a mix of creativity and determination.
From qualifying for her first WTA 1000 event to winning a WTA 125 title, Ito’s journey reflects her unique approach to the game. This article dives into her personal life, career milestones, earnings, and more.
Aoi Ito’s Biograph
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aoi Itō (伊藤 あおい) |
| Date of Birth | May 21, 2004 |
| Age | 20 years old |
| Education | N/A |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | N/A |
| Career record | 85–42 |
| Turned Pro | 2021 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $300,000–$500,000 |
| Career Earnings | $224,126 |
| Husband/Boyfriend | N/A |
| Children | None |
| Instagram Profile | @aoi_ito521 |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Aoi Ito began her tennis journey at the age of 5, inspired by her family’s love for the sport. Unlike many of her peers, she bypassed most junior tournaments and turned professional in 2021 at the age of 17, starting on the ITF circuit. Her early career was marked by perseverance and steady improvement.
In March 2023, she reached her first ITF final but narrowly missed the title. However, just a few months later, she claimed her maiden ITF singles title at the W15 Kashiwa event in Japan. Despite facing challenges with consistency in 2023, Ito’s determination paid off when she had a breakout season in 2024, highlighted by a semifinal run at the Japan Open. These early experiences laid a strong foundation for her rapid rise in the tennis world.
Professional Career
Aoi Ito’s professional career has been characterized by her unique playing style and rapid ascent in the rankings. Her breakthrough came in 2024 when she reached the semifinals of the Japan Open as a qualifier, defeating former Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin and top-50 player Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
This performance catapulted her into the spotlight and significantly boosted her ranking. In January 2025, Ito claimed her first WTA 125 title at the Canberra International, showcasing her tactical brilliance against more experienced opponents. Her success continued as she qualified for prestigious WTA 1000 events like the Qatar Open and Dubai Open, although she faced early exits against seasoned players.
Despite these challenges, Ito’s ranking peaked at No. 106 in March 2025, reflecting her consistent improvement and growing reputation in the tennis world. Her unorthodox style, which emphasizes creativity and tactical play over raw power, has made her a formidable opponent and a rising star to watch in women’s tennis.
Aoi Ito’s Net Worth Details
Aoi Ito’s net worth is estimated to be $300,000 and $500,000 as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $110,141 |
| 2024 | $82,358 |
| 2023 | $25,316 |
| 2022 | $6,164 |
| 2021 | $147 |
| Total | $224,126 |
Career Stats
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Singles Titles | 1 WTA 125, 4 ITF |
| Doubles Titles | 8 ITF |
| Career-High Singles Ranking | No. 106 (March 17, 2025) |
| Current Singles Ranking | No. 106 (March 17, 2025) |
| Career-High Doubles Ranking | No. 180 (September 16, 2024) |
| Current Doubles Ranking | No. 258 (March 24, 2025) |
| Singles Win-Loss Record | 155-70 |
| Doubles Win-Loss Record | 85-42 |
| Career Prize Money | $224,126 |
| 2025 Prize Money (YTD) | $110,141 |
| Grand Slam Best Result | Australian Open Q1 (2025) |
FAQs
1. Who is Aoi Ito and what is she known for in tennis?
Aoi Ito is a rising Japanese tennis player born on May 21, 2004. She’s known for her unorthodox playing style that emphasizes creativity and tactical intelligence over raw power. Ito made her WTA debut in October 2024 at the Japan Open, reaching the semifinals as a qualifier. She won her first WTA 125 title at the 2025 Canberra Tennis International. Ito’s unique approach to the game, which includes a variety of shots like slices, drop shots, and sharp angles, has quickly made her a player to watch in the tennis world.
2. What is Aoi Ito’s current ranking and career-high ranking?
As of March 17, 2025, Aoi Ito’s current singles ranking is No. 106 in the world, which is also her career-high ranking. She achieved this ranking on March 17, 2025. In doubles, her career-high ranking is No. 180, which she reached on September 16, 2024. Her current doubles ranking, as of January 6, 2025, is No. 226. Ito’s rapid rise in the rankings, particularly in singles, reflects her recent successes and breakthrough performances on the WTA tour.
3. What are some of Aoi Ito’s notable achievements in her tennis career so far?
Aoi Ito has achieved several notable milestones in her young career. She won her first WTA 125 title at the 2025 Canberra Tennis International. Ito reached her first WTA Tour semifinal at the 2024 Japan Open as a qualifier, defeating former Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin and top-50 player Elisabetta Cocciaretto. She has won one WTA 125 singles title, four ITF singles titles, and eight ITF doubles titles. Ito has also qualified for prestigious WTA 1000 events like the Qatar Open and Dubai Open in 2025, marking her entry into higher-level tournaments.
4. How does Aoi Ito’s playing style differ from other tennis players?
Aoi Ito’s playing style is characterized by its uniqueness and creativity. Unlike many players who rely on power, Ito focuses on disrupting her opponents’ rhythm with a variety of shots and spins. She frequently uses forehand slices, drop shots, and lobs to control the game’s tempo. Ito is known for her exceptional net play and volleys, often employing serve-and-volley tactics. Her strategic mind and court awareness allow her to anticipate opponents’ moves and exploit weaknesses. This unorthodox approach makes her a challenging opponent and sets her apart from more conventional players.
5. What is Aoi Ito’s background and how did she start her tennis career?
Aoi Ito began playing tennis at age 5, inspired by family matches. Unlike many of her peers, she skipped most junior tournaments and turned professional in 2021 at the age of 17, starting on the ITF circuit. Ito’s father, a former prosecutor, serves as her coach, while her mother, who worked for a travel agency, handles various support roles. This family-based team has been crucial to her development. Ito’s approach to tennis is unique, as she views it like a role-playing game, which helps her enjoy the process of improving her ranking without feeling pressured.
6. What are Aoi Ito’s career earnings and potential endorsements?
As of March 2025, Aoi Ito’s career prize money stands at $224,126. Her earnings have increased significantly since her breakthrough in 2024. While specific endorsement details are not publicly available, her rising profile and unique playing style make her an attractive prospect for potential sponsors, especially in Japan. Given her recent successes and growing popularity, it’s likely that Ito will attract more endorsement opportunities in the near future, particularly if she continues to perform well in higher-level tournaments.
7. Has Aoi Ito participated in any Grand Slam tournaments?
As of March 2025, Aoi Ito has not yet played in the main draw of any Grand Slam tournaments. However, she did participate in the qualifying rounds of the 2025 Australian Open, marking her first attempt to qualify for a Grand Slam event. While she didn’t make it to the main draw, this experience is a significant step in her career progression. Given her improving ranking and recent performances, Ito is likely to have more opportunities to qualify for and potentially play in Grand Slam main draws in the future.
8. What are some of Aoi Ito’s interests outside of tennis?
Off the court, Aoi Ito has a variety of interests that reflect her creative and strategic mind. She enjoys anime, game commentary, and strategic board games like Othello and Mahjong. Ito is also passionate about drawing, both by hand and using an iPad. She often draws pictures at hotels during her tennis trips as a way to relax. Ito’s love for these activities, particularly strategy games, aligns with her tactical approach to tennis, although she doesn’t directly attribute her tennis strategy to these hobbies.
9. How does Aoi Ito’s performance compare in singles and doubles?
While Aoi Ito has shown promise in both singles and doubles, her singles career has seen more notable success recently. In singles, she has reached a career-high ranking of No. 106 and won a WTA 125 title. Her doubles career-high ranking is No. 180, achieved in September 2024. Ito has won eight ITF doubles titles, showing her versatility. However, her recent focus seems to be on singles, where she has made significant breakthroughs in WTA events. Her doubles performances at higher levels are still developing, as seen in her first-round exit at the 2025 Dubai Open.
10. What are the expectations for Aoi Ito’s future in tennis?
Given Aoi Ito’s rapid rise and unique playing style, expectations for her future in tennis are high. Her ability to compete against top-50 players and win a WTA 125 title at a young age suggests potential for further growth. Tennis analysts and fans are keen to see how far her unorthodox style can take her in the current power-dominated era of women’s tennis. While it’s challenging to predict long-term success, Ito’s tactical intelligence and creativity make her a player to watch. The next steps in her career will likely involve consistently competing in WTA-level events and aiming for Grand Slam main draw appearances.
