Garbine Muguruza Avenges Australian Open Final Loss, Defeats Sofia Kenin at WTA 500 Melbourne

The rematch of the Australian Open 2020 finale went down most dramatically. And in the end, it was the sixth seed Garbine Muguruza who knocked the second seed, Sofia Kenin, out of the tournament. A perfect way for the Spaniard to avenge her Australian Open final loss.

Both the players had their eyes fixed on the title. And considering their previous performances, the pair equally deserved a spot in the semifinals. But the match put forth the better player between the two, on the day.

First, the two-time Grand Slam winner broke Kenin’s serve in the fifth and seventh game of the first set. In doing so, Muguruza also alerted the reigning Australian Open champion that she was going to dominate the battle.

While the 22-year-old Kenin seemed off right from the start, her shaky nerves cost her the first set. As a result, the composed Spaniard got herself the lead in the match by winning the first set 6-2.

Garbine Muguruza dominates Sofia Kenin with class showing

Sofia Kenin found herself in the same situation as her last match against compatriot Jessica Pegula. However, it looked tough even for her to break the Spaniard’s grip on the match.

To top the pressure, the American star gave away the first game of the second set to Muguruza.

And more than their tennis, it was their nerves and composure that dictated the result. Sofia was beating herself up after every lost point, whereas Garbine Muguruza maintained her focus the whole time.

This is also something the American professional would not want to carry in the next tournament. Her first breakthrough came in the fourth game when she broke Garbine’s serve, but only to return the favor by losing her service in the next game. Muguruza held her composure to to 6-2, 3-2 up.

Kenin fails to come back, Muguruza books semifinal spot

The other half of the second set was the most crucial part of their encounter. Sofia, who had won both the matches against Garbine before, did not play like the winner she is. Moreover, her frustration never let her settle and take control in the match.

For the 27-year-old Spaniard, there could not have been a perfect start to the 2021 season. She had previously mentioned that playing competitive matches right before a Major is not easy, but she was in very good touch against Kenin, winning with utmost class and quality.

Kenin got a lesson in tennis before she begins her title-defense next week at the Australian Open 2021.

With this win, the Spaniard is one of the last four standing at the WTA Yarra River Valley Classic, and she is undoubtedly the favorite to win it too.

As for Sofia, she will need to up her game if she is to have any hope of retaining her crown at the upcoming Grand Slam.

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