HOBART, Australia (AP) — Former Australian Open champion Sophia Kenin is two wins away from her first title in three years after falling behind in the semi-finals at the Hobart International.
The 24-year-old, who beat Angelina Karinina 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 on Thursday, is ranked No. 280, following a career-best No. 4 finish. She won the 2020 Melbourne Park.
This is the American’s first semi-final at WTA level or above since reaching the final of the 2020 French Open.
“I just tried to keep fighting. She’s a difficult player to play,” said 2019 Hobart winner Kenin. It just keeps getting better and better, and I hope it keeps going.”
Kenin will face Italy’s 21-year-old Elisabetta Cotcharetto in the final.
After defeating No. 3 seed Alizee Cornette in the first round, Cotcharetto defeated No. 6 seed Bernalda Pera 5-7, 7-6 (6), 6-4.
On Thursday, Kenin drew with two-time champion and world No. 25 Victoria Azarenka in the first round of the Australian Open.
___
AP Tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
