Sofia Kenin Stuns Ashleigh Barty to Reach Maiden Grand Slam Final at Australian Open 2020

Ashleigh Barty has crashed out of the Australian Open 2020 to a straight defeat to Sofia Kenin. The World No. 1 was the heavy favourite in the match-up, but it was Kenin who came out on top with a straight sets victory 7-6(6) 7-5. Crowd favourite Barty was expected to reach the final and become the first Australian woman to do so in 40 years.

Sofia Kenin Registers Better Statistics

The reigning French Open champion won 80% of her first-serve points, but put in a sub par 50% of first serves in. Sofia Kenin was more consistent in her service games with 70% of first serves going in and winning 69% of those first serve points.

In the first set, Barty managed to put in just 56% of first serves in, winning 79% of those points. However, in the second set, Barty’s numbers tumbled further with 43% of first serves going in. 

Barty was unable to cause too much damage at the net with just 27% of net points won. This is quite unusual given that she is known to be good at the net. The one area she did excel at was the winners column, registering 33 winners to Kenin’s 16.

Maiden Final for Kenin

Kenin has reached the very first Grand Slam final of her career as she awaits the winner of the other semi final between Simona Halep and Garbine Muguruza. The No 14 seed played a tidy game and held her nerves to wrap the match up in straight sets. Unlike Barty, she was much more efficient at the net, winning 64% of the points.

The American youngster was impressive in victory, holding her nerve to save two set points in the first set. She was ecstatic with her victory and had nothing but good things to say about her opponent.

“Thank you everyone for this moment. I know it wasn’t easy and she doesn’t make it easy either. Honestly I’m speechless and thankful for this. I’ve worked hard, thank you to everyone here and to everyone back home. She came up with some big shots and I knew she wasn’t going to give it easy. No wonder she’s the World No. 1!”

Kenin will compete for her very first Grand Slam title on Saturday. All she can do now is wait and watch who joins her.