In the final of the Australian Sofia Kenin won the Spaniard Garbine the Wind– 4:6, 6:2, 6:2. But rejoice in this victory, fans from the USA and not in Russia.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF SHARAPOVA
– I was born in Moscow but moved with his parents to the States when I was not yet a year old. Mom and dad did it for me. They gave me the American dream. And for that I am immensely grateful to them, – said the Dormouse, after reaching the semifinals.
Now the dream came true precisely. For his entire career prior to that earned a little less than 3 million dollars. For the victory at the Australian Open she will get just three and a half! A girl from a wealthy family, whose parents had once gone to the United States, in fact, without a penny in your pocket, now can nothing to need. But, of course, this is only the first success. There is no doubt – others will follow.
– Sonia or Sofia? – asked the girl last summer. – You are called and so and so.
– In Russia it is the same name. Sonia – just diminutive. So both – shared “secrets” the Kenin.
Her story is similar to the story of Maria Sharapova. Even a little more dramatic. The first attempt to emigrate to America the parents of the future champion made even before the birth of a daughter. Did not work – the money’s gone, to live was not for that, I had to go back to Moscow. Where are Sofia and was born on 14 November 1998. Shortly after this event, the family again went to the New world. This time more successful. Not without problems (sometimes had nowhere to live and food to buy it), but Kenny (accent on the first syllable) still found his corner in the United States. And began to raise a daughter. Which, technically, Saturday was the first Russian girl won the “Grand slam” in the six years after Sharapova’s triumph in Paris in 2014. Only done this under the flag of USA. And with a racket painted in the colors of the star-spangled banner. The Kenin (formally, Canina, of course, just the name is spelled in the American manner) spent his whole life in this country. And even though she spoke excellent Russian, Russia, its little links.
So… why be surprised?
THE LONG ROAD TO SUCCESS
Success Kenin is not flash. She shot sharply, as Naomi Osaka in 2018. appeared out of nowhere, like Bianca Andreescu last year. The name of Sophia had known since childhood. “When she was 5-7 years old, she was more famous than now,” confessed Alexander Kenin not so long ago. When it was noticed by a famous coach Rick McKee (at the time working with the sisters Williams, the same Sharapova and Andy Roddick), he immediately noted the incredible talent. “Sonia has qualities that you cannot educate or train, as the forehand. But without them it is impossible to become a champion,” said Rick. And invited Kenin in his Academy.
However, she was not fired before, like Mary. Won “Grand slam” at the age of 17. Sonia, a hard worker, marching to victory gradually. A breakthrough came only last year when Kenin has played four finals and won three titles (Hobart, Mallorca, Guangzhou). Then she got to the fourth round of “Roland Garros”, and the result was the best for her “Big hats” until the last moment. The basis of the Australian Open Sofia made twice, but scored only one victory (in 2019 passed the first round). Unlike Amanda Anisimova (another Russian American women), and 15-year-old Corey gauff are, in her last years was really focused not so much attention. But, again, unlike them, Kenin not annealed for short periods, then leaving into the shadows for some time. And raised the rating due to the stability and methodical work. Every element of the game.
In Melbourne she arrived the 15th racket of the world. Leave – seventh.
The final Mugurusi turned out so, as with all previous career Kenin. Started brightly, continued problems (of Garbine took the first set), but ended confident progress, with precise play, a victory – at the expense of character and hard work. Spanish fourth time in the finals of “Grand slam”. Twice previously, these tournaments were won. In the last two weeks showed a gorgeous tennis – what are the victory over Svitolina, Bartens, Pavlyuchenkova and Halep! But with Sonia to cope have failed. Not because she failed. But because the Kenin played great. And without question deserved their success.
Now she, the youngest champion of Australia since, as Sharapova took the title in Melbourne in 2008 at the age of 20 years. Now Sofia is only 21. She’s happy. Her parents are happy. They realized the dream. And there is every reason to think that this high-sounding title – not the last in the career of the Kenin.
