At the end of day twelve, there are two women left in the singles draw and one of them is an American. Thanks to the fighting spirit of the feisty Russian born American, [4] Sofia Kenin, American tennis fans have something to cheer for over the weekend.  Who would have predicted this after Victoria Azarenka recently demolished her 6-0, 6-0?  Perhaps we should have.  When you have reached the bottom, there is usually only one way you can go and that is up.

Kenin Believed In Her Game

Kenin did indeed climb up, all the way to the final.  It was not always pretty or easy, but it was spirited.  She never quits and never stops believing she will find a way to victory until the match is over.  I did not think she would beat [7] Petra Kvitova (CZE), and I am happy to say that Kenin proved me wrong.

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The American Was On Fire

Kenin came out on fire in the first set and broke Kvitova twice, before the Czech clawed her way back into the match with some powerful forehand shots. Unfortunately, Kvitova’s weapon often went astray. With opportunities to even the match, the Czech could not capitalize and Kenin served it out to take the first set 6-4.

Kvitova Fought To The End

The second set was a more tightly contested affair with the Czech player having even more opportunities to break than she did in the first set. Serving for the match at 5-4 up, Kenin thought about what she was about to accomplish, and got nervous. The American was going to get to her second major final, the second major final of the 2020 season, and she was going to defeat a player she had never beaten before. After a slight wobble, Kenin immediately regrouped, broke her opponent, and served out the match 6-4, 7-5.

Swiatek Next For Kenin

Kenin did it and will face the dominant nineteen-year-old Swedish player, Iga Swiatek.  Swiatek has yet to drop a set in the tournament. The Pole easily defeated former Roland Garros champion [1] Simona Halep (ROU) in the fourth round. It could be an exciting battle.  The odds makers are picking Swiatek, but I will stick with the American even though I love Swiatek’s game.

ALL IMAGES: Getty Images-top to bottom: Sofia Kenin (TPN), Petra Kvitova (TPN) and Iga Swiatek (Tim Clayton).