Aussie Open champ Kenin through after opponent retires
Last updated on: 02 February,2021 07:20 am
Sofia Kenin's opponent Camila Giorgi retired injured after one set at the Yarra Valley Classic.
MELBOURNE (AFP) - Defending Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin s long-awaited return to Melbourne Park on Tuesday was brief after her opponent Camila Giorgi retired injured after one set at the Yarra Valley Classic.
The 22-year-old was back at the scene of her stunning breakthrough Grand Slam title last year, where she beat Garbine Muguruza in three sets.
But it was a short stay on Margaret Court Arena with the 76th-ranked Giorgi retiring because of a thigh injury after Kenin clinched a tight first set 7-5.
"I hope she s all right ... but I m glad to get through," Kenin said.
"I was missing so many forehands but I finally made them to close out the first set."
The American was upset in the quarter-finals in the season-opening event in Abu Dhabi last month by Greece s Maria Sakkari, ranked 22.
Kenin reeled off three straight games to start the match before going off the boil as Giorgi went 4-3 ahead.
Kenin regrouped before Giorgi called for medical attention at the end of the set and retired.
The Moscow-born Kenin emerged as a serious force in last year s truncated circuit, also reaching the French Open final and rising to a career-high fourth in the world rankings.
She plays Germany s Mona Barthel or Jessica Pegula of the United States next.
World number one Ashleigh Barty and 2019 Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka are in action later Tuesday.