Sofia Kenin On Tennis Rankings, Injury, & Her 2026 Comeback

Sofia Kenin has just returned to the tournament that changed her life six years ago. Back in 2020, the tennis player won the Australian Open, becoming the top-ranked American woman (No. 4 in the world) and one of the youngest Grand Slam title holders. She was hoping to regain that glory at the 2026 Australian Open.

“I’m a little bit nervous, of course, but I’m seeded, so that’s already great,” the 27-year-old says over Zoom a couple of days ahead of her first match. “All I can do is just wake up, do the best I can, and hope I get the W.”

Kenin hasn’t had the easiest journey over the last few years. In 2022, an ankle injury forced her to pull out of almost every major tournament, resulting in her once-top ranking severely plummeting. Since then, she’s started steadily climbing the ranks again, and her goal for 2026 is to crack the Top 15 once more.

“I feel good and healthy, which is the most important thing. I had some injury setbacks a few years ago, and now I’m even more m...