American World No.4 Sofia Kenin met compatriot Jessica Pegula in the Round of 16 match in WTA 500 Melbourne. After a grueling encounter, the defending Australian Open champion won the match 7-5, 5-7, 2-6.

The 22-year-old seemed off her natural game since the start of the match. Also, Pegula’s strength weighed heavy on the young American as she tried to steer past her. As a result, they both dragged the match into a deciding set.

Sofia Kenin makes a comeback from a set down

The current World No.62 showed the audience in 1573 Arena that she was the better player today. Hitting powerful groundstrokes, even her serve gave her an edge over the reigning French Open finalist.

On the other side, Sofia Kenin got a valuable lesson in the first set of the match. She realized that to win the game, she would need to play as the defending champion of the Australian Open.

Trending

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

‘Have Him F**King Walk Out with Rafa’- Andy Roddick Imagines Emotional Scenario That Brings Roger Federer Together with His Beloved Rival

April 24, 2024 12:02 PM EDT

‘Got Them a $92,000 Motor Home’- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Rick Macci Reveals Lavish Money Spent Based on ‘King’ Richard’s Confidence

February 14, 2023 09:40 PM EST

Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance

April 23, 2024 04:07 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

It started with Jessica ruling the game hands-on. And while Sofia tried to stop her flow, she lost the first set 7-5. Going in the break, Kenin was disappointed but did not accept the setback as a final result.

In the following set, the former World No.55 continued her good form by getting a three-game lead against Sofia. However, following that, something clicked and the young American began to flourish on the court.

After Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff, Sofia Kenin could’ve joined the list of big upsets in WTA 500 Melbourne. But she managed to escape that fate by forcing a deciding set.

“If I Lose, It’s Okay”: Naomi Osaka Lauds Katie Boulter After Thrilling Victory at WTA 500 Melbourne

Sofia is getting ready to defend her Australian Open title

For the decider set, the 22-year-old knew exactly what she had to do. Sofia gave fewer chances to Jessica to get into position for clean shots, which worked like a charm.

Steadily, the young American won two games and Jessica subsequently began to lose her cool, along with the match.

Frustrated, the 26-year-old started hitting balls as she realized that the game was slipping through her hands. As for Sofia, she carried her momentum and played every game with a thorough discipline.

In the end, it was a great win for Kenin. Watch how she won her match-point.

Hopefully, she will get her performance going on in the next round of the tournament. It will be a perfect way for her to prepare to defend her Major title in Australia.

Will Sofia Kenin defend her Australian Open title?

How Can Serena Williams Re-enter the Top 10 of WTA Rankings Ahead of Australian Open 2021?