"I'm loving the grass, I didn't used to really like it": Kenin hopes to revel in Wimbledon comeback bid

Sofia Kenin expressed her confidence in competing in the main draw of Wimbledon after successfully going through the qualifying rounds.

The American tennis player entered the qualifying phase as the 23rd seed and showcased a strong performance on grass. After securing two victories at the All England Club, Kenin faced the 9th seed Taylor Townsend in the decisive match to reach the main draw, emerging victorious with a score of 6-3, 6-3.

“I’m super happy,” Kenin said.

“There were a few dramatics towards the end so I just tried to get through it somehow and I can celebrate now.”

Currently ranked as world No. 126, she hasn't regained the level that propelled her to win the 2020 Australian Open and reach the final of the French Open in the same year. Sofia Kenin has faced several injuries that have kept her away from the courts on multiple occasions throughout her career. She missed the 2022 Wimbledon due to an ankle injury and has never advanced beyond the second round at the tournament.

“The first goal was to qualify,” she said.

“I’m loving the grass - I didn’t used to really like it so I’m really happy I battled through qualies and I have three matches under my belt. That gives me a boost of confidence. I’m looking forward to the main draw.”

This year on grass, Sofia Kenin competed in the qualifying rounds of the Nottingham Open as the second seed but lost in the first round to British player Sonay Kartal. At the WTA 250 Veneto Open, she reached the round of 16 by defeating Taara Zidansek, but she was defeated in a three-set match against Yanina Wickmayer.

In the first round of Wimbledon, Kenin will face her fellow American Coco Gauff, whom she has faced twice before. Their first encounter took place at the 2020 Australian Open, with Kenin emerging victorious on her way to winning her first Grand Slam title in Melbourne. Their second match occurred earlier this year at the ASB Classic, with Gauff securing the victory and ultimately claiming the trophy by defeating her rival.