Sofia Kenin: What’s happened to the young prodigy & former Player of the Year?

Sofia Kenin was the best female tennis player on the planet two years ago. Now, she has just registered her first victory in eight months.

The 23-year-old beat Dalayna Hewitt in straight sets to reach the second round of the WTA event in Cleveland, ending a miserable run of defeats that dates back to January at the Adelaide International. 

Kenin’s tumultuous 18 months have seen her struggle with injuries and her own self-confidence –– even admitting that she has been unable to deal with the weight of expectation on her shoulders. 

The player who once appeared destined to become world number one is now struggling to register a solitary victory and her spot on the WTA Tour is seemingly in jeopardy. 

Back in 2020, Kenin stormed to victory at the Australian Open, made the final at Roland-Garros and was named the WTA Player of the Year. 

By the age of 22, the US star had five WTA titles and remains the youngest American to win a Grand Slam singles title since Serena Williams. 

Considered a child prodigy, the Russian-born star always appeared destined for stardom and was originally spotted by Rick Macci –– the former coach of Maria Sharapova and the Williams sisters. 

Yet, despite reaching as high as fourth in the world, the 23-year-old has been plagued with problems on and off the court of late. 

GiveMeSport Women looks at what’s happened to the young prodigy and whether she can return to the top of women’s tennis. 

Having enjoyed a stunning 2020 season, all eyes were on Kenin at the 2021 Australian Open as she sought to defend her title. 

Yet, the American lost in the second round to Kaia Kanepi and stated afterwards that she “couldn’t really handle” the pressure. 

“I felt like I was not there, my head was not there,” she