Kenin Receives Hobart International Wildcard After Shocking First Loss In 2024
Sofia Kenin will return to action at the Hobart International on January 8 as the American player aims to bounce back quickly from a disappointing start to 2024.
Kenin had high hopes for progression at her first tournament entry of 2024 at the Brisbane International. However, things did not go as planned for the 25-year-old after she was beaten in the second round by Arina Rodionova in a straight sets defeat (5-7, 6-7(7)).
The loss came as a shock for the American player, especially after she ended 2023 with some impressive form. In the latter stages of last year's campaign, Kenin beat Caroline Garcia and also defeated world number two Aryna Sabalenka during the exhibition event, the World Tennis League.
Kenin's strong late-season form in 2023 also helped her to climb up to 33rd in the official WTA rankings, despite going as low as 280th in the standings at one stage.
Even though she suffered an early 2024 setback at Brisbane International, Kenin is already setting her sights on improvement at Hobart International. The 25-year-old will receive a wildcard entry into the Australian-based event, which starts on January 8 and concludes on January 13.
Entry into the Hobart International will provide Kenin with a final opportunity to build some winning momentum before heading to the Australian Open, which begins on January 14. In 2020, Kenin won the Australian Open when she defeated Garbine Muguruza in the final.
It remains the former world number four's only Grand Slam title win to date, and she has struggled to replicate such form in recent majors. Since lifting the Australian Open title in 2020, Kenin's best Grand Slam run came the same year at Roland Garros when she reached the final.
The American player also struggled at last year's Australian Open after she was eliminated in the first round by Victoria Azarenka.
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