Australian Open 2024: Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin preview, head-to-head, prediction, live streaming

Published at :January 15, 2024 at 9:06 PM

Modified at :January 15, 2024 at 9:08 PM

(Courtesy : The Independent/Posugar UK)

Swiatek has won the only meeting between these two previously.

Iga Swiatek and Sofia Kenin are waiting in the wings for their Australian Open 2024 campaign to begin, with their first-round match scheduled for January 16 (Tuesday). Sofia Kenin found herself on the winning side by lifting the Australian Open trophy in 2020, while Swiatek’s best performance at Melbourne Park has been a semifinal appearance in 2022.

While returning as defending champion at the 2021 Australian Open, Kenin lost to Estonian Kaia Kanepi in the second round. A series of injuries and contracting COVID-19 meant she had to sit out the 2021 US Open.

While Iga Swiatek has gone on to make her presence felt on the WTA Tour, winning three French Open titles and one at the US Open, Kenin hasn’t registered a title win since 2020 at Lyon.

Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin Preview

Iga Swiatek and Sofia Kenin will be facing each other for the first time since 2020. Since then, their paths and careers have diverged. By the time she was 22, the American had five WTA titles and remains the youngest American since Serena Williams to win a Grand Slam singles title.

The American has experienced a resurgence of sorts in 2023, reaching the finals at San Diego and the semifinals at the Hobart International and the Guadalajara Open. an appearance in the round of 32 at Wimbledon was her best result at Grand Slams this year and should bode well for the World No. 41. A return from being ranked outside of the top 400 in 2022 will be a boost to her confidence.

Swiatek claimed the WTA Finals with an undefeated run and the Beijing masters, posting two consecutive victories and ending the year on a strong note. The Pole finished 2023 as the top-ranked player for a second consecutive year. After coming close in 2022, she will be eager to take home the Australian Open trophy as she has the momentum of a stellar 2023 behind her.

Head-to-head records

Matches – 1

Iga Swiatek – 1

Sofia Kenin – 0

Iga Swiatek and Sofia Kenin’s paths have not crossed often. The sole occasion the pair met was in the 2020 French Open final. Swiatek prevailed in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1, for her maiden grand slam triumph. Kenin was ranked No. 6 in the world during the French Open fortnight and had reached a career-high ranking of World No. 4 a few months earlier.

Indian Sports Live Coverage on Khel Now

Where and how to watch live streaming and TV broadcast of Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin, Australian Open 2024, first-round match in India?

The Sony Network beckons tennis fans in India with both live telecast and live streaming options. The Australian Open 2024 will be telecast live on the Sony TEN Network in standard and High-definition options in India. The Australian Open live streaming will exclusively be available on the SonyLiv streaming service.

Prediction

Swiatek started the 2024 season on a strong note, winning all five singles matches and two doubles games with Hubert Hurkacz, putting on a strong display in the United Cup until Poland fell to the Germany team in the finals. Iga Swiatek is one of the title contenders alongside defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and 2023 finalist Elena Rybakina. The pole has also ventured into the quarterfinal stage or better at all four Grand Slams, which makes her a threat regardless of surface.

Sofia Kenin, meanwhile, has moved up 202 positions on the WTA table from her 2022 year-end position, going from No. 235 to No. 33. Kenin lost two of three matches she has taken part in 2024, but with everything to play for, the American is sure to hit the ground running, and make Swiatek work hard for her win.

Kenin, the 2020 WTA Player of the Year Award winner, will fancy her chances against the World No. 1, Iga Swiatek, as she has the experience from playing in the big league. Swiatek is right now on a 16-match winning spree, and the win against Kenin would make it win number 17. But the world no. 1 would do well to approach her opening round against Kenin with some caution.

Should Swiatek advance, a challenging clash with either Australian Open 2016 champion Angelique Kerber or 2022 finalist Danielle Collins awaits.

Result: Iga Swiatek to win in three sets.

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