Sofia Kenin Just Became the Youngest Australian Open Champion Since Maria Sharapova

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: The U.S.â Sofia Kenin wins the 2020 Australian Open after beating Garbine Muguruza (not seen) of Spain 2-1 to claim the first grand slam title in her career in Melbourne, Australia on January 01, 2020. (Photo by Recep Sakar/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

It's been a week of firsts for Sofia Kenin. The 21-year-old American secured her first Grand Slam final berth after defeating top-seeded Ashleigh Barty in the semifinals of the Australian Open (her first appearance in those, too). And after dropping the first set of the final to Spanish player Garbiñe Muguruza - herself a two-time Grand Slam champion - Sofia battled back, clinching the victory she's been training for and dreaming of her entire life: her first major title.

Sofia finished the match with a commanding 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 score, but her inspiring comeback wasn't the only memorable storyline to emerge that evening. She became the youngest Australian Open women's singles champion since Maria Sharapova won the tournament in 2008, when she was 20 years old. She's also predicted to rise to No. 7 in next week's WTA rankings, which will make her the youngest American to reach the top 10 since Serena Williams in 1999.

"I cannot even describe this feeling. It's so emotional, and I've worked so hard, and I'm just so grateful to be standing here," Sofia said during the trophy ceremony, thanking the crowd as well as her family - including her father and coach, Alex - for their support. "Dreams come true."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: Sofia Kenin of the United States poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after winning her Women's Singles Final match against Garbine Muguruza of Spain on day thirteen of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 01, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia.(Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)Image Source: Getty / Fred Lee

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