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Sofia Kenin Reaches Another WTA Quarterfinals Match

By Harry Floyd

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 28: Sofia Kenin of The United States serves during the ladies singles first round match against Naomi Osaka of Japan during day two of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on May 28, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 28: Sofia Kenin of The United States serves during the ladies singles first round match against Naomi Osaka of Japan during day two of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on May 28, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Earlier this year, Sofia Kenin met Caroline Wozniacki at the Auckland Open. Now, the young tennis star is making yet another strong run.

Sofia Kenin is one of many rising stars on the WTA Tour. The young Russian-born American tennis player is into the quarterfinals against top seeded Caroline Garcia at the Mallorca Open. Garcia is a heavy favorite and is also a defending champion at the WTA Event. Kenin, however, could pull the surprise upset if she can keep up her current momentum. Including her qualifying matches this week, Kenin has five total wins so far in Mallorca.

Quarterfinals action is seeing plenty of talent in the mix. Samantha Stosur is taking on Alison Riske in one of the matches. No matter who wins out of Kenin and Garcia, the road to a title will not be easy. The two square off on Friday at the event.

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Kenin has ITF experience and success behind her. At just 19-years-old, she is a three-time ITF singles champion. She has also broken into the WTA Top 100 in women’s singles. That achievement is especially impressive given the current state of the sport. Women’s singles is seeing a new generation of tennis stars take over. Veteran greats such as Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams are being pushed aside by the likes of Simona Halep, Garbine Muguruza, and Caroline Wozniacki among others. Challenging this new era of stars too are even younger players like Kenin. She has an entire career ahead of her.

Sofia “Sonya” Kenin needs to complete the upset against top seeded Caroline Garcia this week. The two face off in a quarterfinals match at the Mallorca Open.

Next: Bouchard: Wimbledon Bound?

Wimbledon is coming up for everyone on the WTA Tour. Muguruza is the defending champion and remains one of several favorites. Players such as Sofia Kenin could play spoiler if they find their rhythm at the right time. Former runner-up finisher Eugenie Bouchard reached the finals in 2014 and is hoping to rediscover some of that magic. Without a clear road to the draw though, these young tennis players need to fight their way into the field. First things first, Kenin needs to focus on her upcoming match against Garcia. A win would be the biggest upset of the WTA Tour event so far.

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