[1] Ashleigh Barty (AUS) vs. [29] Sofia Kenin (USA)
Barty won all three previous encounters; however, in their last encounter at Roland Garros, Kenin won her first set against Barty. Perhaps winning that set changed the mindset of Kenin, perhaps Barty being a tad rusty after a mini vacation made the difference; we will never know which or perhaps it was a combination of both factors that contributed to today’s result.
Red hot start for Kenin
Kenin is so mild mannered, you can often overlook the quiet confidence that she possesses. She is steadily improving and showing that if you have heart, along with a weapon or two, you can move up the rankings. Kenin came out on fire, breaking the number one seed to take the early lead. Things looked quite promising for the young American, until she served for the first set at 5-4 and was broken at 15-40. Things got complicated for Kenin and Barty turned things around to win the first set in the tiebreak.
Barty did not go quietly
Kenin however, is known for her perseverance and fighting spirit. The American fought back in the second set; although it was not easy. Kenin had a 4-0 lead and was serving to go up 5-0, when Barty found her game. The battle was fully engaged then. The American served for the second set at 5-3 and this time, she did not falter. The number one ranked player knew that her opponent was not going away.
Kenin kept her focus
The third set was not stroll in the park either for Kenin. Although she took an early lead once again like she did in the two previous sets, Barty did not go quietly, and Kenin had to fight for the victory. Up 4-1, all Kenin had to do was hold her serve twice, and the victory would have been hers. Yet, tennis is rarely ever that simple, and Barty broke back to keep the match interesting. Kenin never lost her belief though and when she served for the match, although there was a slight wobble, the American held her nerve and her serve to get her first victory over a number one ranked opponent. Kenin won 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4.
SOURCE OF IMAGE: Zimbio.com (all images are Getty Images Europe-main image Sofia Kenin)
