A key win en route to her Australian Open triumph in 2020, it is fair to say that their career paths have headed in opposite directions since then but Sofia Kenin continues to roll at Wimbledon with a three-set shock win over Coco Gauff 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
Gauff, the seventh seed like Kenin has had wins on grass over the past week reaching the semi-finals of Eastbourne but lost out to her compatriot.
Kenin who had to come through qualifying as she continues to try and rebuild her career with her father back in her corner who was sacked initially as her career slid after the Australian Open win.
But all comebacks start somewhere and it could be the All England Lawn and Tennis Club that is a catalyst for Kenin's revival.
Kenin's serving was expert throughout the whole match including the opening set. She lost just three points on serve all match up until 5-4 to head towards sealing the opening set.
A superb backhand down the line gave Kenin 40-15 in the next game and Gauff went long handing her the opening set.
Trouble early for Gauff who looked to weather the storm and did so in the second set. She broke immediately in Set Two to seal early advantage.
A superb point on deuce slipping then punishing a superb backhand before finishing it off. She then took an ace to make it 3-0.
Back came Kenin though as she made it 3-3 breaking back. But despite that, Gauff took a set point opportunity but still cause for concern.
That cause for concern was answered in the deciding set taking a break to begin at 1-0. She saved three break points at 3-1 and after two quick service games to make it 3-2, she broke again to go one away.
A thrilling conclusion was set up as it went to 30-30. Gauff went for an ambitious winner down the line and missed allowing a match point which the former netted to give Kenin the game.
What a match and what a performance from Sofia Kenin! 6-4 4-6 6-2 vs Coco Gauff to win her 33rd Grand Slam match and the 4th at Wimbledon, advancing to the 2nd round for the 4th time out of 4 appearances It’s her 10th career Top 10 win, the first on grass since 2018
