Muguruza and rising star Kenin are surprise package in showpiece
Garbine Muguruza will face Sofia Kenin in a surprise Australian Open final after both caused upsets at a scorching Melbourne Park yesterday.
Kenin broke Australian hearts with a 7-6 (6), 7-5 victory over world No 1 Ashleigh Barty, ending hopes of a first home singles winner since 1978.
Muguruza then won the battle of the two-time Grand Slam champions 7-6 (8), 7-5 against fourth seed Simona Halep.
Muguruza is unseeded here having dropped well away from the heights that saw her beat Serena Williams to win the French Open in 2016 and Wimbledon a year later.
But the Spaniard’s talents have never been in doubt and, back under the guidance of Conchita Martinez – who coached her to the Wimbledon title – in a short-term arrangement, Muguruza has been rejuvenated.
She gave an understated fist pump at the end, and said: “Definitely the mission is to get away from here with a big trophy.
“I believe in myself that I have what it takes to play these kind of matches and to be in this stage. You try to just keep it calm. I’m sure in the right moment there’s going to be a big celebration.”
This was a ding-dong battle, with Muguruza failing to serve out the first set but saving four set points, two at 5-6 and two more in the tie-break, before taking her third chance.
Halep, the 2018 finalist here and looking to add to her own French Open and Wimbledon titles, took her frustration out on her racket but broke the Muguruza serve in the second set and had a chance to serve it out at 5-3.
She could not take it, though, with Muguruza’s defence a revelation as she won the final four games.
Halep made no attempt to put on a brave face, saying: “To lose like this hurts more, definitely. I’m in pain now, I have to admit. But life is going on.”
The first semi-final followed almost the same pattern. There was no doubt who Rod Laver Arena was rooting for but Barty was unable to take two set points in either set.
Since making the last eight here 12 months ago, the 23-year-old has won the French Open title and risen to the top of the world rankings, pushing expectations sky high. But she insisted the pressure had not weighed heavily, saying: “Not at all. I’ve been in a Grand Slam semi-final before. Yes, it’s different at home.
“I enjoyed the experience. I love being out there.”
Kenin’s talent and competitiveness marked her out from an early age so it was no shock to see her rise to the occasion on the biggest day of her tennis life. The Russian-born Floridian will move into the top 10 whatever happens tomorrow.
“I’d like to apologise to all of the Australian fans,” said Kenin. “I know they wanted her to win. It’s not easy for them. I’ve dreamed about this moment since I was five years old.”