"I'm loving the grass, I didn't used to really like it": Kenin hopes to revel in Wimbledon comeback bid
WTA
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.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
