On Saturday a new star of women’s tennis was born on the Rod Laver Arena. Sofia Kenin claimed the biggest win of her career by defeating two-time grand slam champion Garbine Muguruza to win the Australian Open.
The rise of the American had been on the cards, but few predicted two weeks ago that she would be able to go all the way to victory. Last year Kenin achieved a series of milestones that included claiming three WTA titles and winning a total of tour-leading 38 matches on a hard court along with world No.1 Ash Barty.
“These past two weeks, there have been a lot of emotions. You guys could see after the match how much it all meant to me. This is such an honour.” Kenin said during her press conference.
“I’m so proud of myself, my dad, my team, everyone that has been around me. We’ve all worked hard. We’ve been through tough times. We did it. We fought. I’m just like on cloud nine.”
Born in Moscow before her family moved to New York when she was a baby, Kenin is coached on the tour by her father Alexander. Along with support from Lorenzo Cava. A former world No.2 player in the juniors, she made her WTA debut at the age of 16 during the 2015 US Open. She didn’t make her top 50 debut until October 2018 and broke into the top 20 last summer.
Now a grand slam champion, Kenin has achieved a series of milestone in her career. Becoming the first American woman outside of the Williams sisters to clinch the Melbourne title since Jennifer Capriati in 2002.
Here are five things to know about Kenin’s win :-
- Following Serena: At the age of 21 years and 80 days, Kenin is set to rise to world No.7 on Monday in the world rankings. Becoming the youngest American woman to crack the top 10 since Serena Williams back in 1999. Coincidentally, she is also the youngest major winner from America since Williams won the 2002 US Open at the age of 17.Kenin is the youngest player to contest an Australian Open final since 2008. On that occasion, Maria Sharapova defeated Ana Ivanovic with both players being at the age of 20.
- Third time lucky: 2020 is just her third main draw appearance in Melbourne. She lost in the first round in 2018, followed by a second round exit a year later. The last woman to reach the final on only her third appearance was Martina Hingis back in 1997, who also won the title. The last player to win on their debut was Monica Seles in 1991.
- Another first-time winner: It is the 11th time in history a female player has won their maiden grand slam title at the Australian Open in the Open Era. Others to do so include Amelie Mauresmo, Victoria Azarenka and Caroline Wozniacki. Eight out of the last 12 grand slams have produced a first-time winner.
- A growing field of champions: Kenin is now the 16th active player on the WTA Tour to have a grand slam title. The number includes six out of the current top 10 players on the tour.
- Big payout: Kenin’s run at the tournament alone has almost matched what she has won in her entire professional career to date. She exits Melbourne with an estimated $2.85 million in prize money. Prior to the tournament, her career earnings stood at $2.95 million.
