Sofia Kenin, the youngest American to win a Grand Slam after Serena Williams hopes to do some damage in the upcoming Western and Southern Open. The world number four triumphed over the Spaniard Garbine Muguruza in Melbourne this year in a thrilling three-set match. She looks forward to the US Open and is banking on her recent success in the tournament. Records in the US Open are consistent. With third-round exits since 2017, Sofia is confident of proceeding further in the competition this time.
“Just trying to have good matches coming up to US Open and then hopefully I can do some good damage there,” stated Sofia in a WTA interview.
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Sofia Kenin is preparing herself with the Western and Southern Open before the Grand Slam. The Cincinnati Open is the testing ground for players before they can begin their journey to the Grand Slam. With Wimbledon canceled and Rolland Garros delayed due to the COVID-19 situation, the US Open marks tennis’ return at the highest order.
The COVID-19 break was quite de-motivating for the American. It must have been quite hard for her to maintain her fitness and carry on with practices with almost three months of hiatus and the lack of a schedule. However, she played regularly even if only at a private court near her residence. Sloppy at first, she got better as the days passed.
“No motivation, don’t really feel like doing anything. We had good practices, but it got better as days got closer. Beginning, we both weren’t playing so well,” she said.
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Recalling her dream run at the Australian Open, she claims every match was “emotional” and that “it was the best two weeks” of her life. For a 21-year-old player to clinch a Grand Slam defeating some of the top-seeded players really is a dream come true. Beating top seed Ashleigh Barty in the semifinals was a pivotal moment in her career. However, defeating two-times Grand Slam winner Muguruza has been her career-defining moment to date.
The journey of this talented individual has just started. She has a long way to go if she wants her name to go down in history. Another Grand Slam victory can undoubtedly give a significant boost to her career.