Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin headed into the Lyon Open final the favourite to win
the competition and managed to survive a second set reverse going on to win 6-2, 4-6,
6-4. She’s now the first player on the WTA to secure two titles on 2020 and will undoubtedly have her eyes on more moving forward. Avid tennis fans would have been expecting this for some time, as the player has been steadily improving.
This opinion has been underlined by most Canadian sports betting operators shortening
her odds and giving Sofia the attention she deserves.
After winning the first set convincingly against Anna-Lena Friedsam, Kenin, 21, looked to
be on course for somewhat of a stroll towards the finish line. However, she fast became
her own worst enemy in the second set, as several unforced errors opened the door for
Friedsam to capitalise. The German went on to take the set 6-4, giving herself a chance of
upsetting the apple cart.
Kenin, who is the world number five, upped her game to find the composure she needed to
secure victory in the final set, however, with a double break point picked up before her third championship point proved to be the one that counted. The American showed her class to bounce back from a disappointing second set, regrouping fantastically well to lift her second winner’s trophy of the year so far.
Speaking following her victory, Kenin said, “It’s such a tough tournament, it could have
gone either way.”
“Every match was a close one, and I had to fight through every player I played [and they] put up to a tough fight against me, and I was able to play my game which was good. I’m happy that I came here. It was a good decision from my side. I wanted to get enough match play going into Indian Wells and Miami,” she added.
Unfortunately for Kenin, she won’t be able to build on her recent success at Indian Wells
as the tournament won’t take place due to concerns over the coronavirus. Health officials
decided to pull the plug on the event, which continues to be one of the most prestigious, as
there was “too great a risk” when it comes to holding a “large gathering of this size.”
All hope isn’t lost, however, with tournament director Tommy Haas insisting, “We are
prepared to hold it on another date and will explore options.”
Lyon Open runner up Friedsam was taking on Kenin in what was her first final in nearly five
years. A shoulder injury has plagued her, but this was another positive step on the
comeback trail for the 26-year-old. There was mutual respect between the players, as you
would expect, with Kenin recognising Friedsam’s magnificent comeback from injury.
“You’ve come back from injury, and you’re doing well, and I wish you all the best for your
upcoming tournaments,” the Australian Open winner said.
Kenin will now be waiting to add another title to her rapidly growing resume. She has five
successes on her CV so far, with wins in Hobart, Mallorca and Guangzhou in 2019, joined
by her 2020 victories in Australia and now Lyon.
