Sofia Kenin names the two WTA stars who inspired her to surprise Australian Open win

Sofia Kenin hailed fellow-WTA stars Bianca Andreescu and Naomi Osaka as inspirations behind her surprise Australian Open triumph.
Kenin is the latest in a line of exciting new young WTA talents to breakout and win a Grand Slam, apparently from nowhere.
Andreescu and Osaka did it in the last two US Opens, and American Kenin was keen to follow in their footsteps.
“Definitely it [the victories by younger players] was a motivation and my dad was telling me it was great for them and you can really achieve this, such a young age that they achieved it.
“My dad said just play and fight for every match that you’re playing and anything is possible. The deeper you go, anything can happen.”
Kenin bounced back brilliantly after losing the first set to Muguruza, and she says that is something that no one could ever teach her.
“The fight in me, I feel that’s something you can’t teach,” she said.
RELATED: Garbine Muguruza vows to keep improving after coming up short in Australian Open final
“I feel you’ve got to have that, you’ve got to have the belief and the passion, have passion for the sport.
“I love it, I’m so fired up. It is such an amazing experience.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Australian Open
How Novak Djokovic will end the GOAT debate once and for all
With Djokovic now level with Nadal in 22 major wins, tennis legend John McEnroe has predicted how many more he will win.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic proud of ‘special journey’ to 22nd Grand Slam title
Novak Djokovic’s victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas gave him his 10th title in Melbourne, a year after being deported.
-
Australian Open
Elena Rybakina hits back over ‘fake news’ about her ‘passionate coach’ Stefano Vukov
“I want to clarify any misinterpretations,” says Elena Rybakina.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic has ‘at least three more Grand Slams’ in him – John McEnroe
How many more Grand Slam titles can Novak Djokovic win? John McEnroe expects plenty more from world No 1.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic breaks down after ‘biggest victory of his life’ at Australian Open
Novak Djokovic joined Rafael Nadal at the top of the men’s list for most Grand Slams.
-
Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas hails Novak Djokovic as the ‘greatest that has ever held a tennis racket’
Stefanos Tsitsipas hailed Novak Djokovic as the greatest ever following Australian Open final.
-
Australian Open
WATCH: Raw emotion from ‘superhuman’ Novak Djokovic after he returns to his perch in Australia
Novak Djokovic let it all out after winning the 2023 Australian Open.
-
Australian Open
The King Returns: Novak Djokovic wins 10th Australian Open, returns to No 1, joins Rafael Nadal on 22 Slams
Novak Djokovic, who also becomes world number one, defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets.
-
Tennis News
Top 10 men’s title winners in the Open Era: Novak Djokovic moves ahead of Rafael Nadal and closer to 100th title
A 10th Australian Open title sees Novak Djokovic move ahead of Rafael Nadal.
-
Australian Open
Aryna Sabalenka ready to battle at top of women’s game after Australian Open win
A terrific Australian Open final indicated Iga Swiatek will soon have company at the top in Aryna Sabalenka.