Sofia Kenin advances to Hobart Worldwide semifinals

HOBART, Australia (AP) — Former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin is 2 wins away from her first title in three years after coming from behind to make the semifinals of the Hobart Worldwide.

The 24-year-old Kenin, who beat Anhelina Kalinina 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 on Thursday, is ranked 280th after a career-high rating of No. 4. Accidents and poor kind noticed her rating plummet after her win at Melbourne Park in 2020.

It’s the American’s first semifinal at a WTA stage or greater since her run to the ultimate of the French Open in 2020.

“I simply tried to maintain on preventing. She’s a tricky participant to play. I knew I needed to hold in there,” Kenin, the 2019 Hobart winner, stated. “Match after match I’m taking part in higher and higher. I hope I can hold it going.”

Kenin will meet Italian 21-year-old Elisabetta Cocciaretto for a spot within the remaining.

Cocciaretto, who upset third-seeded Alize Cornet within the first spherical, had a 5-7, 7-6 (6), 6-4 victory over sixth-seeded Bernarda Pera.

On Thursday, Kenin drew a tricky Australian Open first-round match in opposition to two-time champion and No. 25 Victoria Azarenka.

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