Throwback: Little Sofia Kenin on How to Beat Andy Roddick

Sofia Kenin is making heads turn after reaching her maiden Grand Slam final at the 2020 Australian Open. The American will face Garbine Muguruza of Spain in a bid to lift her first major trophy. A video by Tennis Channel  has now emerged of her interview as a kid. The minute long interaction between Kenin and the interviewer is winning hearts and fans for the young American.

Sofia Kenin Proves She had A Winner’s Mentality Even as a Kid

A very young Sofia Kenin is waiting by some tennis courts when the interviewer asks her a few questions. Her answers are absolutely fantastic and endearing. Moreover, she even exhibits her understanding of the sport, even at the age of 7. The interviewer asks her what the secret would be to beating Andy Roddick, and Sofia promptly replies, “If I could return his serves.”

At this point, it seems like an adorable answer by a kid, but she goes on to give a surprising answer when asked how she could return Roddick’s serve.

“If I split and then I turn around and hit my forehand with my short swing.” 

A wonderful and tactically good answer by the 7-year-old is not something you want to miss. Perhaps it hints how passionate she was about the sport, even as a kid.

The topic of her racquet also comes up in the interaction and it is revealed that she uses the same one as Roddick’s. Kenin was possibly a Roddick fan back then because when asked why she uses the same one, she has a simple answer.

“Because we want my racquet to look the same as Andy Roddick.”

Fans were ecstatic to watch this video from 21 years ago. Tennis Channel too were impressed by Kenin’s answers.

Given her tactical understanding of the sport at the tender age of seven, it is no surprise she is right at the very top of the sport currently. Kenin beat the World No. 1 and crowd favourite Ashleigh Barty in the semi finals in straight sets to reach the final. She will now face Muguruza on Saturday to battle for the first Slam of the year.