Sofia Kenin: 'Novak Djokovic gave me advice ahead of Australian Open final'

World no. 4 Sofia Kenin kicks off the 2021 campaign at the inaugural Abu Dhabi WTA event, facing Laura Siegemund or Kirsten Flipkens in the second round.

Sofia decided to enter Abu Dhabi and play a couple of matches ahead of the Melbourne trip, seeking the Australian Open title defense following a stellar campaign last January. The young American was the best player in the previous season, winning the Melbourne title and competing in another final at Roland Garros.

Speaking about the last year's Australian Open final, Sofia said she felt very nervous before Novak Djokovic came and gave the advice that helped her ease the pressure and deliver her best tennis against Garbine Muguruza in the title clash.

"I think I'm a top player; I have proven that, and I feel that extra pressure that comes from outside. My expectations have grown, and I expect more from myself at Majors and other most significant tournaments. I had a great 2020 in terms of tennis results, and I need to try keeping that momentum going. I'm hoping to play a couple of matches in Abu Dhabi and shape my game.

I made a last-minute decision to enter the draw and compete here. The Australian Open will bring pressure, as I'm the defending champion. I even felt it at Roland Garros, but not as much as in Australia. Those two tournaments will be the key to my 2021 season, and I'm determined to leave the pressure away and perform well at both. I can talk to Novak Djokovic; I think that can be helpful.

He gave me great advice before the last year's final. We were practicing next to each other, and he came up to me and was nice. He told me some things before the final, which was special because I was crazy nervous," Sofia Kenin said.