French Open News: Sofia Kenin Says Semi-Final Berth Is ‘An Honor’

Sofia Kenin defeated fellow American tennis player Danielle Collins in three sets to advance to the semi-finals of the Roland Garros.

“I know her game really well, I’ve played her a few times. It’s not easy playing a fellow American. I obviously want all of us to do well. I knew there was going to be one American in the semi-finals and I think it’s really great for American tennis to have a good quarter-finals matchup,” Kenin told reporters in a press conference after her quarter-finals victory.

The familiarity Kenin had with her opponent came in handy for the former Australian Open winner.

“Yeah, I just knew her game, I knew what I needed to do. I’m just really happy. It’s an honor, I mean, to be in the semi-finals and I’m super happy that I won,” Kenin added.

Throughout this year’s French Open, Kenin has been pushed to a deciding three sets in all but one of her matches, ESPN reported.

“I feel like in the third set I’ve gotten better, starting off strong, not making too many errors, just playing aggressive and trying to dictate,” Kenin shared.

Kenin pointed out that she has also improved in terms of handling the pressure of a deciding in a major tournament.

“I feel like I’ve really improved on that because, usually, I kind of start off a little slow or just making some easy mistakes and the points go fast. I feel like I’m doing a really good job with keeping my ground and staying focused and yeah, starting off strong in the third set because, obviously, I don’t want to go too down. I want to start off with the lead and, luckily, I’m getting a good lead in the third set,” Kenin concluded.

Her upcoming semi-final berth will be against two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova, who is coming off a strong two-set victory against Laura Siegemund.

It has been an emotional tournament for Kvitova as it is the first time in eight years that she has reached the French Open semis. She has endured a lot in the past decade as a professional, including a knife attack in 2016 that almost ended her career.

The upcoming semi-finals match will feature two exciting stars as Kvitova has beaten Kenin in their two previous encounters.