Australian Open—Melbourne, Australia
American Sofia Kenin capped off a storybook run to her Australian Open campaign on Saturday in Melbourne, Australia, defeating former two-time Major winner Garbine Muguruza to capture her maiden Slam title.
Overcoming the loss of the first set, Kenin stormed back to take the match, 4-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Needing two hours and three minutes to claim her crown, Kenin overcame nine aces from Muguruza, won 65 percent of her second serve points, won five of six break points and struck 28 winners.
Kenin, who had previously won three titles, displayed her off-the-rise game to great effect against her Spanish opponent. Even through the loss of the first set, Kenin kept up her feisty nature by continuing to hit deep ground-strokes and claw her way back into the match.
Despite hitting nine aces, Muguruza did have a woeful day on her serve. Making only 57 percent of her first serves in, Muguruza also hit eight aces and only won 31 percent of her second serve points.
Previously winning the French Open and Wimbledon, Murgurza was competing in her third Major final.
Kenin, who will move up eight spots to a career high of No. 7 on Monday, defeated top seed Ashleigh Barty and up-and-coming star Coco Gauff en-route to the title.
