Aoi Ito outlasted Akiko Sharma in a three-set thriller at Memphis, prevailing 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. The deciding set featured seven breaks of serve, with Ito winning a late double break to snatch victory.
Ito raced to a 4-0 lead in the first set after breaking in the second and fourth games, holding on despite Sharma pulling one break back. Sharma levelled the match in the second set, breaking twice, including a decisive break at 5-3. The decider saw the first five games all go against serve, then after Sharma moved ahead 4-3, Ito broke to level at 5-5 and broke again in the tenth game to close it out.
Ito was clutch on break points in the final set, converting both chances while saving one of three. Overall she won 69% of first-serve points and 36 return points, offsetting Sharma's five aces and 75% first-serve percentage.