After Australian Open Exit, Sofia Kenin Undergoes Emergency Appendix Surgery

Sofia Kenin undergoes emergency surgery: World number four Sofia Kenin confirmed on Twitter that she has recently gone through an emergency surgery to remove her appendix. This news comes just days after her shocking Australian Open exit in second round.

"I went to the tournament physician office on Monday, February 15th with acute abdominal pain. I was evaluated by the tournament physician and referred to the hospital for further evaluation," the 22-year-old wrote on Twitter.

Six days ago, the reigning champion Kenin lost in the second round of the tournament on Margaret Court Arena. Before that, she had lost to unranked Australian Olivia Gadecki in her opening match at the Phillip Island Trophy.

"Acute appendicitis was diagnosed following the completion of my CT scan. I had to have surgery and had my appendix removed on Monday, February 15, at Epworth Hospital Richmond," she said, thanking the hospital staff for taking care of her.

Hey guys! I want to share with you what happened to me a few days ago..

I went to the tournament physician office on Monday, February 15th with acute abdominal pain. I was evaluated by the tournament physician and referred to the hospital for further evaluation. pic.twitter.com/dkIc0PEE9r

— Sofia Kenin (@SofiaKenin) February 17, 2021

Earlier, in a post-match media conference, a Kenin revealed that she was facing a left groin injury, which she said might have been attributed to the mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine on arrival in Australia. "I'm not there 100% physically or mentally," added Kenin. "My game, everything, just feels really off. Obviously, it's not good. I just couldn't really handle the pressure. I'm not obviously used to this."

Kenin became only the third Australian Open defending champion not to reach the third round since 1970 and the earliest to crash out since Jennifer Capriati's defeat in the first round in 2003. Last year, at the Australian Open, she became the youngest finalist in 12 years, reported India Today. Her victory followed the 2008 victory of Maria Sharapova, who was 20 when she won. She defeated World No. 1, Ashleigh Barty to enter the Australian Open 2020 final, only to lift the crown in such a young age. She also became the youngest American since Serena Williams in 2002 to capture the major crown.

Feature Image Credit: USA Today