Sofia Kenin's aspirations for the upcoming season are much different compared to 12 months ago, and she will make an unfamiliar stop in her off-season training.
Kenin, 25, is in Abu Dhabi, where she is set to partake in the second edition of the World Tennis League, a mixed-gender exhibition event not affiliated with the ATP or WTA tour, which has attracted several of the world's top tennis players.
The Moscow-born American is making an uncustomary visit to the Middle East at this time of the year, where she has been invited to play alongside the Russian trio of Mirra Andreeva, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev for Team Eagles.
The four-team tournament will take place in the Etihad Arena, an indoor setting, over three days and will also witness the first mixed doubles union of Paula Badosa and his Greek boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Kenin arrives in Abu Dhabi hot on the heels of a career renaissance in 2023, is already excited about what next year is in store, and is looking to surf with a wave of momentum into 2024.
"The main thing is to bring back the feeling for the game, get some point play back in my training and kind of get a feel of things, and then carry that momentum into 2024. I’m just trying to have a good preparation period for the season like I’ve been doing, and hopefully, I can have a solid start to 2024."
Kenin has played in Abu Dhabi in the inaugural WTA event there but has hardly had a great build-up to a tennis season for some time; she is within touching distance of a seeding spot at next month's Australian Open and is a possible darkhorse to repeat her exploits from 2020 when she won the Melbourne major.
Kenin stooped to a low of 426 in the rankings in July 2022 after succumbing to injuries and being afflicted with the inconsistency bug. But now, playing injury-free and rediscovering her winning touch, she is enjoying her preseason. Kenin will have the chance to fine-tune her game with the world's best in the Middle East.
"I’m fit and healthy at the moment and this should help with preparation for the year, so I’m looking forward to it."
"Everyone who’s here is obviously a great player. It’s hard to choose just one! I think it’s going to be a great atmosphere with this team event format and I think representing our team well will be important, so I’m looking forward to that. Should be a great weekend."
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