Surprise-package Kenin in dreamland after stunning Australian Open win

PTI, Feb 2, 2020, 12:16 PM IST

Melbourne: America’s Sofia Kenin stunned two-time Major champion Garbine Muguruza to win the Australian Open on Saturday, completing a surprise run where she came from nowhere to lift her first Grand Slam title.

Despite making her debut in a Major final Kenin, 21, showed all her trademark aggression as she fought back from a set down to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 in 2hrs 3mins against the shellshocked Spaniard.

The 14th seed, who will now jump to seventh in the world and usurp Serena Williams as America’s number one, was in tears at the end and headed straight for her father Alexander, who is her coach.

It was the final twist in a tournament of upsets after Williams crashed out in the third round and Kenin beat Australia’s world number one Ashleigh Barty in the semi-finals.

“It’s just such an honor to have my name on that beautiful trophy, it’s something I’ve dreamed about,” said Moscow-born Kenin.

“Of course it’s an exciting moment for me and for my family, I get to share this. Obviously things are going to change for me, but we’re just going to move forward, get ready for the next tournaments. Right now we got to figure out how to celebrate,” she added.