American Sofia Kenin continues women's tennis youth movement with Australian Open title

Another new name has been etched in the women's tennis history books.

U.S. tennis player Sofia Kenin took home the Australian Open women's singles title Saturday, defeating Spain's Garbine Muguruza in comeback fashion, 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. It was the 21-year-old's first Grand Slam title, and she became the youngest women's singles champion since Maria Sharapova in 2008.

The match was tightly contested from start to finish, with both players playing at a high intensity level. "It was such a battle and it was very physical," Kenin said.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

The Wall Street Journal notes it's another example of women's professional tennis entering a new era in which unpredictability reigns. For years, Serena Williams dominated the scene, but her grip has started to loosen (count her out at your own risk) a bit. Eight of the past 12 Grand Slam winners have been first-time champions, including several youthful stars like Kenin, 19-year-old Bianca Andreescu, 23-year-old Ashleigh Barty, and 22-year-old Naomi Osaka.

Read more at NBC News and The Wall Street Journal.