February 3, 2025
Sonobe won 6-4, 6-3 over
Yue Yuan in the first round of Abu Dhabi on Monday.
ANALYSISIn her first-ever match at tour level, Sonobe scored a sizable upset as she ousted her No. 55-ranked opponent in straight sets across one hour and 36 minutes. The 17-year-old from Japan entered the event with a ranking of No. 837 in the world. She finished the match with 36 winners compared to 32 unforced errors. Sonobe will face either No. 7 seed
Jelena Ostapenko or
Ons Jabeur next.