Muguruza powers past Kenin to claim semifinal spot at Yarra Valley Classic

In a rematch from last year's Australian Open final, top-ranked American Sofia Kenin took on Spain's Garbine Muguruza for a spot in the semifinal at the Yarra Valley Classic.

With play suspended for a day due to a COVID-19 scare, both ladies took to the court with different agendas. Kenin was hoping to extend her career lead to 3-0 over Muguruza, who was looking to avenge her loss at the 2020 Australian Open. It was the Spaniard who prevailed, overpowering Kenin 6-2 6-2 in just an hour and 15 minutes.

Following an easy opening hold by Kenin, it was Muguruza who began applying the pressure to her opponent's serve. The big-hitting Spaniard broke Kenin to love at 2-2, then proceeded to break her a second time behind some exceptional shot-making from the baseline, taking the first set in the process.

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Unable to mount a comeback, the defending Australian Open champion finally got on the board after Muguruza had won seven consecutive games. She showed some signs of life as she broke the sixth seed's serve to level the set at 2-2. However, it was all Muguruza for the rest of the match. The World No.15 continued to employ her aggressive game-plan, breaking Kenin again to lead 4-2.

The American put up some resistance in her final service game, saving multiple break points to stave off her opponent. Nonetheless, Muguruza obtained the break and served out the match, booking her spot in the semifinals. The Spaniard is yet to drop a set during this tournament, and next faces the winner between eight seed Marketa Vondrousova and Argentine Nadia Podoroska in the semifinals.

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wta on Twitter: "Locked in 🔒 @GarbiMuguruza defeats Kenin in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2. #YarraValleyWTA https://t.co/FQjAi71Tne" / Twitter