Australian Open: Sofia Kenin Youngest Women's Singles Winner In 12 years

Sofia Kenin realized her childhood dream by entering the finals of the Australian Open. She defeated World No. 1, Ashleigh Barty, in the semifinals on February 1. With this coveted achievement, Kenin becomes the youngest Australian Open finalist in 12 years, reports India Today. Her victory follows the 2008 victory of Maria Sharapova, who was 20 when she won.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Sofia Kenin defeated World No. 1, Ashleigh Barty to enter the Australian Open final.
• Kenin has become the youngest Australian Open finalist in 12 years since Maria Sharapova to achieve the feat.
• She has dropped only one set at the 2020 Australian Open so far, she would now face Garbine Muguruza.
• She will be the youngest American woman to debut in the top 10 since Serena Williams in 1999.

Her victory follows the 2008 victory of Maria Sharapova, who was 20 when she won.

After her straight-set win, the 21-year-old Moscow-born said, "I knew I needed to find a way to win. This wasn't an easy one but I'm just so grateful and thankful for this moment". Kenin dreamt of playing in a Grand Slam final since she was five and accomplished it in her maiden attempt. She has dropped only one set in the entire 2020 Australian Open till now. Sofia would now face Garbine Muguruza who ousted 4th seed Simona Halep in straight sets in the second semi-final.

Sofia praised Barty after the win, calling her a tough player. She took the first set to a tie-breaker and won it 8-6. She then marked her entry into the final by defeating her Australian opponent by two points in the second set. Kenin has been under the coaching of her father, Alex and thanked him apart from her family and fans after winning the game. She is very proud that her hard work has paid off. She had not crossed the pre-quarterfinals stage of any of the Grand slams before the 2020 Australian Open.

The American said that she wants to relax and enjoy the moment. She believes that the final would be great no matter who she plays against. She has been in the sport since the early years and her father told The New York Times that he had seen potential in her when she was three-and-a-half years old. Kenin will now become the top-ranked American woman in the world rankings, passing Serena Williams and reaching No. 7. She will be the youngest American woman player to debut in the top 10 since Serena Williams in 1999.

The American said that she wants to relax and enjoy the moment. She believes that the final would be great no matter who she plays against.

Sofia Kenin has been an inspiration on the court. She is breaking records and reaching for the skies in her early twenties which is admirable. Her mettle has had her winning laurels and her confidence proves that she has a bright future.

Picture Credit: USA Today

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Saavriti is an intern with SheThePeople.TV