Australian Open women’s final: Sofia Kenin’s dream comes true in Melbourne

Australian Open women’s final 
Sofia Kenin beat Garbine Muguruza 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 

American Sofia Kenin secured her first grand slam title after beating Spain’s Garbine Muguruza in the Australian Open women’s singles final on Saturday in Melbourne. 

Two-time grand slam champion Muguruza took the first set 6-4, but 21-year-old Kenin hit back to win the second and third sets 6-2, 6-2. 

Kenin, who is now world No.7 after her win, said: “OK! This is my first speech, but I am going to try my best. I want to congratulate Garbine on a great match, I am sure we will have more great finals in the future. 

“I want to say my dream has officially come true! I cannot describe this feeling, it’s so emotional, I am so grateful to stand here – dreams come true, so go for it, if you have a dream it is going to come true. 

“It is such an honour and privilege to be here. Thank you so much. I would like to thank the crowd, this past two weeks has been the best of my life.

“And last but not least, my team, my dad, thank you for making this possible – I can’t believe we are here today, we worked so hard. My mum, back home probably watching, so I love you mum. We really worked hard and I am so grateful for this. Thank you so much.”

After hitting a number of double faults, including the second match point, Muguruza admitted her game was not good enough.

She said: “I’m not very happy about my performance. I had to play better because she came up with a great level. At the important moments I didn’t find my shots. She found her shots.

“A fantastic match, Sofia, I think we are going to see you play many more finals, for sure. I have to say thank you to my team, they were out there suffering with me today. 

“It has been incredible playing out here in this environment, the crowd is what makes it special – we play for you guys, so thank you for coming.”

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Media reactions to Kenin’s victory

Marion Bartoli, former Wimbledon champion, BBC Radio 5 Live 

“For me it’s refreshing to see how young she is. Her love for the game and passion is coming across strongly. For me she is showing her emotions and wearing them on her sleeve. She can’t believe what she has done.”

Vicki Hodges, The Daily Telegraph

“Tennis celebrated another brilliant young female star in Melbourne as 21-year-old Sofia Kenin defeated Garbine Muguruza to win the Australian Open title. Following in the footsteps of Naomi Osaka, Ashleigh Barty and Bianca Andreescu, American Kenin produced a brilliant performance in her first grand slam final. A child prodigy who had remained surprisingly under the radar despite beating Serena Williams at the French Open last year, Kenin has quickly built a reputation for intelligence and feistiness.”

Kevin Mitchell, The Guardian

“If to be young is heaven, Sofia Kenin is floating on an untouchable cloud after beating Garbiñe Muguruza in three sets to win the 2020 Australian Open. Those who know her well talk of a quiet, shy player but, on court, she has the stamp of a champion, sure of her ability and able to fight her way out of tight corners, which she has had to do several times in the final stages of the tournament, as the matches became tougher.”

Steen Kirby, Last Word on Tennis

“After a stellar 2019, this title is Kenin’s breakthrough to mainstream stardom and she certainly has enough game to win another slam and back up this title with many more impressive results.” 

How Twitter reacted

Things Sofia Kenin did today:

Hit drop shot winners
Hit defensive lobs
Hit three clean winners on break points in the 3d set
Play fast-twitch defense in the corners
Think on her feet
Believe
Compete
Win the Australian Open

— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) February 1, 2020

A great new champion in Sofia Kenin at the #AusOpen

21 years old, dedicated and excellent. The personification of the American dream.

Dad Alex would do computer courses by day and drive cabs in New York City at night to give his children a better life than he had in Russia.

— Andrew Castle (@AndrewCastle63) February 1, 2020

Naomi Osaka, 22 years old.

Sofia Kenin, 21 years old.

Bianca Andreescu, 19 years old.

The future is now on the WTA %u2B50%uD83C%uDFC6%uD83D%uDCAA pic.twitter.com/j7c0Jx0iL1

— Live Tennis (@livetennis) February 1, 2020