Australian Open, famous at 6, Sonya, Russian-born: Everything you always wanted to know about Sofia Kenin (but never had time to find out) – updated after Tokyo Open 2024

Who is Sofia Kenin?

Sofia Kenin is an American professional tennis player on the women’s Tour. She won her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2020.

You can follow Sofia Kenin on Twitter and Instagram.

What did Kenin do at Tokyo OPen in 2024?

Sofia Kenin reached her first final for the 2024 season at the Tokyo Open in October as a wild card but lost the title to Chinese Zheng Qinwen 7-6 (5), 6-3.

Before the title clash, Kenin defeated Chinese Wang Xinyu (6-1, 6-4), Dane Clara Tauson (6-7 (8), 6-4, 7-6 (6)), No 3 seed Daria Kasatkina (6-3, 6-4), and Brit Katie Boulter (6-4, 6-4).

What did Kenin do at Wimbledon in 2023?

After going two full years without registering a single Grand Slam main draw win, Kenin took out No 7-seeded Coco Gauff in the opening round. It was her first top 10 win at a Grand Slam since she defeated Ash Barty in the semi-final at the 2020 Australian Open.

What are Sofia Kenin’s biggest career achievements to date?

Sofia Kenin won her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2020, beating home favourite Ash Barty in the semis and then taking out Garbine Muguruza in the final. The Russian also reached the final at Roland-Garros in October the same yeaer, losing to Iga Swiatek of Poland. She has won five career titles.

What happened to Sofia Kenin at the Australian Open in 2021?

First the defending champion lost to Kaia Kanepi in the second round; then, a few days later, she was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and had to have an operation to remove the appendix.

“Hey guys! I want to share with you what happened to me a few days ago.. I went to the tournament physician office on Monday, February 15th with acute abdominal pain. I was evaluated by the tournament physician and referred to the hospital for further evaluation,” the American said in a post on social media.

Why did Sofia Kenin struggle in 2022?

After ending 2021 ranked No 12, Kenin lost in the first round at the Australian Open and her ranking plummeted. Injuries to her foot and ankle saw her forced off the Tour for most of 2022 and her ranking fell outside the world’s top 400. As of March 2023, she is on her way back, ranked No 170.

Where is Sofia Kenin from?

Sofia Kenin was born in Moscow, Russia, on November 14, 1998. Her parents, Alexander and Svetlana Kenin, who settled in New York in 1987, had come back in Russia for her daughter’s birth to receive financial help from their family during the first months. They returned in the United States a few months later. She still lives in Florida, in Pembroke Pines, where she was home-schooled.

Is Kenin an American citizen?

Kenin only has an American passport, despite her Russian origins and the fact she was born in Moscow. “I’m a rising star for American tennis, she told the New York Times in a feature during the 2019 French Open. I’m really proud to represent my country and hopefully I can keep going higher.” She was first selected into the American Fed Cup team for the 2018 final against Czech Republic. She lost her two singles rubbers to Barbora Strycova and Katerina Siniakova, leading her country to a 3-0 sweep loss in Prague.

After claiming her first Grand Slam title at the 2020 Australian Open, she made the US team for the tie against Latvia, counting for the 2020 Fed Cup qualifiers. She won her first singles match against Anastasija Sevastova, lost her second to Jelena Ostapenko and secured the decisive point in doubles with Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

Sofia or Sonya Kenin?

Sofia Kenin is sometimes called Sonya, her nickname. Her official website is registered under the name sonyakenin.com.

What is her height?

Kenin is 5’7” (170cm) tall, according to her profile on the WTA official website.

Who is Sofia Kenin’s coach?

Kenin has been coached by her father Alexander for most of her career. As a recreational player, he transmitted his passion for tennis to her. With his wife Svetlana, a qualified nurse in the USSR, they applied several times for exit visas and passed upon Austria and Italy before arriving in New York in 1987. They had 286 dollars in their pocket.

Alexander studied computer programming during the day and worked for a car service during the night. He moved to Florida with his family so his daughter Sofia could train with Rick Macci, the former coach of Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, Maria Sharapova and the Williams sisters. Kenin was coached by Macci from 7 to 12 years old. The late Nick Bollettieri also coached her briefly.

At Indian Wells in 2023, Kenin was accompanied by Michael Joyce, the former coach of Maria Sharapova. But she is now coached again by her father.

When did Kenin turn pro?

Kenin played her first WTA match at the 2015 US Open, which resulted in a first-round loss to Mariana Duque-Marino. She was granted a wildcard after winning the USTA Girls 18s National Championship. Kenin turned pro in 2017. She had loads of success in US junior categories. She debuted among the U10 at age 7 and then was ranked No.1 in the country in U12, U14, U16 and U18. Ranked as high as world No. 2 in juniors, Kenin won the Junior Fed Cup winning all rubbers she played (three singles and two doubles) as well as the Orange Bowl in 2014. She reached the 2015 Girls’ US Open final.

Why was Kenin famous at the age of Six?

Kenin met many tennis celebrities during her childhood. She took a picture with Anna Kournikova when she was only six years old. She took part in an doubles exhibition match with Jim Courier against Venus Williams and Todd Martin. Kenin was also given a backstage tour of the Miami Open venue by none other than Kim Clijsters.

Kim Clijsters introducing a 6 year old Sofia Kenin to Andy Roddick in 2005 🥰

Surrounded by two Grand Slam Champions.

Little did she know she would become one herself one day. pic.twitter.com/j2AGxJiLL2

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 3, 2023

What is Kenin’s net worth?

As of October 27, 2024, Kenin has earned more than $10.09 million in prize money in tournaments on the pro tour, according to the WTA. You can find her up to date prize money earnings by visiting her page on the official WTA Tour website.