Sloane Stephens, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, and Others React as History Is Created at Australian Open 2022

The opening Grand Slam of the season is known to create history and good memories. Further, day 7 of the Australian Open 2022 was a day to remember for two players playing in the Junior Girls’ singles. A historic milestone was achieved when Meshkatolzahra Safi of Iran and Angella Okutoyi of Kenya won their first-round match.

Meshkatolzahra Safi became the 1st girl from Iran to win a Grand Slam juniors match and Angella Okutoyi became the 1st girl from Kenya to win a Grand Slam juniors match. Their incredible feat attracted applauds from the entire tennis fraternity.

Tennis stars react as the two players create history at the Australian Open 2022

Current and former players took to social media to praise the incredible feat of the two players. Further, Sloane Stephens took to Twitter to compliment the two players. She said, “Incredible. Congratulations to both girls!” 

Moreover, former World Number 1 Martina Navratilova was amazed at the achievement of the two players. She said, “How cool is that.” 

Further, American Billie Jean King congratulated the two for their amazing achievement. She said, “History was made at Australia Open. Cheers to Meshkatolzahra Safi from Iran & Angella Okutoyi from Kenya on both becoming the first girls from their respective countries to win a Grand Slam juniors match! Love watching our sport grow across the globe.”

Kim Clijsters, the 4-time Grand Slam champion said, “This is the best news coming out of Melbourne!”

Further, Chris Evert applauded the historic moment created by the two players.

Moreover, Judy Murray, Scottish tennis coach and the mother of Jamie and Sir Andy Murray, applauded the feat and said, “Love this. Great to see.”

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The two players at the Grand Slam Down Under

Meshkatolzahra Safi, who became the first player from her country to win a Grand Slam juniors match, recorded a commanding victory over her local rival. She defeated qualifier Anja Nayar in straight sets 6-4, 6-3 in an hour and 27 minutes to enter the second round. Further, she will take on eighth-seeded Sofia Costoulas of Belgium in the second round.

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Angella Okutoyi, who became the first player from her country to win a Grand Slam juniors match, recorded a hard-fought victory in the first round. She defeated qualifier Federica Urgesi of Italy 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3 in 2 hours and 13 minutes. Further, she will take on local qualifier Zara Larke in round 2.

Can the two players proceed deep into the tournament and create further records? Do let us know your views in the comments below.