"You’re gonna have to really battle to beat me,": Sofia Kenin’s eyes deep run after beating Caroline Garcia at French Open

Sofia Kenin commented that she is full of confidence after defeating Caroline Garcia (21st seed) in the second round of the French Open by 6-3, 6-3. The American returned to Roland Garros after a two-year absence from the main draw and has now reached at least the third round in Paris for the fourth consecutive time.

The 2020 Roland Garros finalist entered the tournament with a 3-5 record on clay courts this year, but she has shown great performance in the main draw, overcoming the highest-ranked local player, in addition to a strong debut against Laura Siegemund (4-6, 6-2, 6-2).

The former world No. 4 is one of the most credentialed non-seeded players to make a significant impact in the tournament. In addition to playing a final (losing to Iga Swiatek) and being a Grand Slam champion, she has a 76% win percentage at Roland Garros.

It took her less than 90 minutes to dispatch the local favorite Garcia in straight sets, thanks to 26 winners and 14 unforced errors. Kenin was dominant, with a 81% first serve percentage and winning 73% of those points: "I don’t have the biggest serve or anything but if I’m on, I feel like I’m a tough player to beat and you’re gonna have to really battle to beat me," Sofia Kenin said to John Wertheim in an interview with Tennis Channel.

"She [Caroline Garcia] has such a tough serve and I try to like do what I can with my serve, obviously, that’s important. Yeah, playing my game I think my movement is pretty damn good so super happy with it. I’m happy with the level that I’m playing. I’m super confident and that’s showing," Kenin addIn

The American acknowledged that the slow courts of Roland Garros suit her game and commented on her first-round comeback against Germany's Laura Siegemund: "I’m always comfortable playing here but I had no idea what to expect. I just try to do what I could do from my end and you know in the first round, I was down 5-1, I could’ve easily not been in today’s round, so I was grateful and then coming out, do the best I can," Kenin said.

"Of course, the fans are supporting her, which obviously is understandable but I’m happy I have a few fans calling my name here and there. It was a great atmosphere regardless, I enjoyed it," she added.