Sofia Kenin poses for a photo with her Australian Open title on Saturday. (Getty Images)
An ecstatic Sofia Kenin said that her dream officially came true after winning the Australian Open title at the Rod Laver Arena on Saturday.
Kenin bagged her maiden Australian Open title with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 comeback win against Garbine Muguruza. This was also the American youngster’s first-ever Grand Slam title since turning professional in 2017.
She also became the youngest women’s singles winner at the Australian Open since Maria Sharapova achieved the feat 12 years ago in 2008 aged 20.
Meanwhile, the more experienced Muguruza’s wait for a first Australian Open title continues after she succumbed to a defeat despite a good start.
“My dream has officially come true. I cannot even describe this feeling. It’s so emotional and I have worked so hard. I am just grateful to be standing here,” she said beaming.
A clearly joyous Kenin also had a message for the public as she said, “I am just grateful to be standing here. You know dreams come true. So, if you have a dream go for it and it’s going to come true.”
Later she went on to thank everybody including the crowd and concluded saying that she looked forward to coming back to Australia next year.
“I want to thank the sponsors Kia, Tennis Australia and everyone for making this tournament possible. It’s such a privilege to be here and I am looking forward to coming back here next year,” she said.
“I want to thank the crowd. These past 2 weeks have been the best 2 weeks of my life. So, thank you so much. I love you guys,” the new champion concluded.
With her title win Kenin, 21, now becomes the youngest American winner at a major since Serena Williams, who won the 2002 US Open, aged 17.
Kenin will take home $2.85 million in prize money and will also move up to No. 7 in the world rankings.
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This will make her the new American No. 1 after finishing as the second-best behind Serena Williams last year.
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