2020 Australian Open Kenin’s breakthrough
years, and was just one set away from claiming that elusive major title. “You were very close to winning it, and you definitely have a lot more time in your career,” Djokovic said to Thiem during the trophy presentation. “I am sure you will get a Grand Slam trophy, more than one.”
Gauff continues to impress
The story of the 2020 Australian Open was young American Sofia Kenin, who hoisted her maiden Grand Slam trophy in dramatic fashion. The 21-year-old came back from a set down to defeat two-time major winner Garbine Muguruza in a thrilling championship match. Long considered a prodigy, Kenin has shown steady results over the last two years which planted the seed for the result that blossomed Down Under. “It was such a battle and it was very physical,” said Kenin. “I’m on cloud nine right now; I just can’t believe this.”
Djokovic dominant once again While the women’s singles draw featured a first-time winner, the men’s winner was a familiar face. Novak Djokovic added to his resume with his eighth title in Oz, and 17th major overall. And he came to this title in dramatic fashion, coming back from twosets-to-one down to beat Dominic Thiem 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the final. “Grand Slams are one of the main reasons why I am still competing and still playing a full season, trying to obviously get the historic No. 1,” said Djokovic. “That’s the other big goal. I put myself in this position that is really good at the moment.”
More thiem heartbreak One man’s triumph is another man’s pain. And unfortunately for Austria’s Dominic Thiem, he falls into the latter category once again. Thiem was competing in his third major final, having lost to Rafael Nadal in the French Open finals each of the last two 56
American teenager Coco Gauff continued her impressive play over this last year, showing that her Wimbledon and US Open results from last year were no fluke. Gauff knocked off defending champion Naomi Osaka and reached the fourth round of this year’s Australian Open, as the young American keeps demonstrating her consistency, and maturity. “I’m definitely going to savor this and continue to build and get better to work for moments like this, moments like that last match,” Gauff said after she fell to Kenin, the eventual champion. “Even today, even though I lost, I still had a lot of fun. I mean, now looking back, I’m not as disappointed anymore.”
Wozniacki says goodbye While Gauff is an example of seeing the beginnings of a promising young career, this year’s Australian Open also gave us the final glimpse into a Hall of Fame career. Former champion Caroline Wozniacki competed in her final tournament as a professional, bringing an end to her decorated career, that saw her reach multiple Grand Slam finals and spend time as the topranked player in the world. The Dane won her first two matches before falling to Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in the third-round.
New York Tennis Magazine • March/April 2020 • NYTennisMag.com
