“She’s Serena for a Reason”: Sofia Kenin Wary of Serena Williams Challenge at Australian Open 2021

In her career spanning over two decades, Serena Williams has inspired an entire generation. And that generation also includes the American World No. 4 Sofia Kenin.

Currently, from inside the Melbourne Park bubble, the 22-year-old American revealed her admiration for the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

The 39-year-old tennis champion is the only player to have won every major tournament in the last four decades. She is also the player with most Grand Slams titles in the Open Era, and one must naturally get inspiration from her.

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Kenin always cheered for Serena Williams at Grand Slams

The 22-year-old American had a great 2020 season; she won the Australian Open and reached the finals of the French Open. But before she starts her new season, Sofia talked about following the path of Serena Williams.

“She’s had great success,” Kenin said. “She really inspired me and I’m sure she inspired a lot of young athletes that want to be just like her.”

Looking back, the young American remembers how she used to watch Serena play and rejoice. Kenin still holds her in the highest regard.

“I looked up to her my whole career — even when I wasn’t on tour as one of the pros. I obviously watched her great victories at slams and was always cheering for her,” World No. 4 said.

Now, the two are just days away from competing for the Australian Open 2021 title.

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Sofia Kenin still has trouble against the Serena serve

Both the Americans have previously been the champions of the Happy Slam. While Serena won it for the 8 time in 2017, Sofia won her first one last year.

Hoping to defend her title, Kenin is yet to master the serve of the 4-time Olympic Gold medallist. And even though she is ranked ahead of Serena, she knows the capabilities of the former World No. 1.

“It is very special to be ahead [of Williams on the rankings] but I still respect her and know she is a great player. She’s Serena for a reason,” Kenin said. “I still can’t get her serve even though I know how she serves. That’s something — no one can compete with her on that.”

Williams will aim to fail Sofia’s title defence to win her 24 Grand Slam. In doing so, she could equal Margaret Court’s all-time most Grand Slams record.

Will Serena get her #24 or will Sofia defend her title successfully?

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