French Open 2021: Sofia Kenin survives Jelena Ostapenko scare in the opening round


French Open 2021: Sofia Kenin survives Jelena Ostapenko scare in the opening round

Sofia Kenin

Sofia Kenin was coming into the French Open without a win this Clay season and to her dismay, was drawn against Former Roland Garros Champion Jelena Ostapenko in the first round. But the American showcased the world her metal as she got the better of Ostapenko in three sets 6-4,4-6,6-3 in over 2 hrs.

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The American was coming into this tournament with consecutive opening round loses at Charleston, Stuttgart and Rome and was clearly looking shaky at the start. She couldn’t land her serve in place in her opening game and got broken upfront. Ostapenko too couldn’t hold her serve as Kenin broke her to draw even. The story continued for the next two game as both players struggled on their service games. Kenin broke in the decisive 9th game and served the set out 6-4.

Sofia Kenin
Sofia Kenin

Ostapenko went blazing in the second set with winners. She played like a beast in the earlier part of the best making things very difficult for Kenin. She got the decisive break in the 4th game and consolidated it. She went on to win the set 6-4 and push the match to a decider.

The last year’s runner up wasn’t going to give up just yet. She made a lighting start in the third set, breaking Ostapenko twice in the first three games to take a 3-0 lead. None of the players could hold serve for the remainder of the set. They broke each other every game and finally, Kenin won the set 6-3.

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‘I am a feisty kid’: Sofia Kenin

Sofia Kenin
Sofia Kenin

The World No.5 was drawn against in form Jelena Ostapenko, a very tricky opponent and former Roland Garros winner. In the post match on court interview, Kenin was asked about the same.

She said: “When I saw the draw, I knew it was going to be a tough match because she’s a great player. I knew I had to play my best tennis to win.” And then thanked the crowd for supporting her.

She was also asked about her mental strength and how she battles for every point. She then responded positively and revealed how important role the fighting spirit plays for her.

“Definitely I am a feisty kid and I have to fight so yes, I have got a little bit of feistiness in me so that helps me win these type of matches.”

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Also read: French Open 2021: Roger Federer makes a winning comeback, defeats Denis Istomin in the first round