'Unafraid and determined' - John McEnroe hails Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin

ByCarrie Dunn

Published 02/02/2020 at 08:26 GMT

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion John McEnroe heaped praise on young compatriot Sofia Kenin after her brilliant win in the final of the Australian Open.

"It's the dawning of a new era, which is great," he told Barbara Schett and Mats Wilander after the 21-year-old beat Garbine Muguruza 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 at Melbourne Park to lift the Daphne Akhurst trophy.

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"You saw someone unafraid and determined, but also the will - that's what you need to see in tennis."

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Kenin's comeback to hold serve from 0-40 down at 2-2 in the third set was crucial, McEnroe added.

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"She played strategically, it was incredible," he said.

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