‘I’m really proud of myself,’ says Sofia Kenin after returning to winning ways at Lyon Open

WTA Tour
Sofia Kenin celebrates

Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin got back on track at the Lyon Open with a comfortable win over Vitalia Diatchenko.

The American struggled for form after winning her maiden Grand Slam at Melbourne Park as she made first-round exits in Dubai and Doha. However, it was a case of third time lucky as she beat Diatchenko 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 24 minutes.

Kenin broke in games one and five of the first set, although the Russian got one break back, and four times in the second set with Diatchenko also breaking twice.

“I didn’t have the best two weeks,” the top seed said. “But I had some tough opponents on a streak of playing some hot tennis and I was close, so it wasn’t like I lost to someone who was no good.

“I’m just happy to have gotten the win. I’m happy, I played a really good match – she’s such a tough player, so I’m really proud of myself – it’s a good way to kick things off.”

She will face Jaqueline Cristian for a place in the quarter-final after the Romanian qualifier beat Priscilla Hon from Australia 6-2, 6-0.

Third seed Caroline Garcia booked her place in the last eight as the Frenchwoman secured a 7-5, 6-2 victory over Ysaline Bonaventure from Belgium.

Meanwhile, Camila Giorgi upset fifth seed Alice Cornet from France as the Italian came from a set down to win 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2.

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Sofia Kenin

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