Australian Open Champion Sofia Kenin Crowned as the WTA Player of the Year

The Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin won the 2020 WTA Player of the Year award. In addition to her glory Down Under, she also finished second at the French Open this year. Her incredible record of 16-2 in Grand Slam tournaments brought her the highest-ranking of her career – World No. 4.

While the season saw a lot of ups and downs, the 22-year-old American displayed her best throughout the tiring year. Her first Grand Slam title win came against the former World No. 1 Garbine Muguruza after being one set behind. On her way, she also defeated the home favourite and World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty in the semi-final match.

Sofia Kenin joins Serena Williams and others

Winner at 21, the American became the youngest woman after Serena Williams to lift a maiden major tournament trophy. Additionally, her breach into the Top 10 also made her the youngest American player after Williams (1999) to do so.

Kenin surpassed the Czech star and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova to make it to the finals at Roland-Garros this year. Later on, she failed to defeat the Polish Iga Swiatek after a tough battle in the clay court of Paris. It made the 19-year-old Iga the first Polish player ever to win a Grand Slam tournament.

It was Sofia’s strategic point marking and acing impossible returns that brought her the biggest season of her career. Winning the award will motivate her further to claim the title again next season.

Kenin ready to defend the Australian Open next year

Excited to defend her first Grand Slam title, Kenin is already in motion to prepare for next season. Looking forward, she has added a new regime in her pre-season training sessions.

For Sofia, 2020 will definitely carry the perfect blend of mixed emotions. While the world battled the most outrageous virus, the American collected some of the big accolades of tennis.

Few years down the line, the 5 WTA titles winner will be remembered as the best player of the 2020 season.

The toughest challenge after winning a major tournament is following its legacy. Will the young American Sofia Kenin be successful in defending her biggest achievement so far?

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