MELBOURNE – American Sofia Kenin counter-punched her way back from a set down against Garbine Muguruza to win her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 win on Saturday.
The 21-year-old Kenin, seeded 14th at Melbourne Park, converted her second match point against the two-time tennis Grand Slam champion, who double faulted on the final point, to end an engrossing contest that lasted more than two hours.
“I just want to say my dream has officially come true … I’m just so grateful standing here,” Kenin said after lifting the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
“I’m looking forward to coming back here next year … These past two weeks have been the best two weeks of my life.”
Kenin and Muguruza produced a fitting and intense final under the closed roofs of a packed Rod Laver Arena.
The Spaniard lost the match, broken by Kenin after a series of double faults.
“I think I’m gonna keep it short because I’m going to get very emotional,” said Muguruza, before congratulating her opponent. “I have to thank my team … they were over there suffering with me today.” (Reuters)