In 2020, Sofia Kenin emerged as the WTA’s Player of the Year when she picked up her first major title at the Australian Open and later added a French Open runner-up effort.
In 2021, Kenin has been unable to build off her breakout season, and on Wednesday, it officially became a year on the court to forget for the top-ranked American. The 22-year-old, who is vaccinated, revealed a positive COVID-19 test will prevent her from competing at next week's US Open.
“I plan to spend the next several weeks getting healthy and preparing to play well this fall,” the world No. 5 wrote on social media. “Thank you all for supporting me. I want to wish all the players the best of luck in New York.”
If ever there was a contrast in the difference 12 months makes, look no further than Kenin. This time last year, she came into Flushing Meadows as the No. 2 seed a short time after the tours reopened. Elise Mertens would outclass Kenin in the round of 16, and though she was soon demolished by Victoria Azarenka in Rome, 6-0, 6-0, Kenin showed terrific resolve when she made her first tour-level final on clay at Roland Garros.