Sofia Kenin, defending champion of the Australian Open, was released in the second round of the 2021 edition. -
Rick Rycroft / AP / SIPA
The winner of the Australian Open 2020, Sofia Kenin, was eliminated Thursday in the second round of the 2021 edition, swept 6-3, 6-2 by the 65th world, Estonian Kaiai Kanepi.
After the elimination of the Canadian Bianca Andreescu on Wednesday, it is the second of the main favorites of the Australian Grand Slam who suffers a premature exit.
The American was completely defeated in a press conference after the meeting.
“It must be the outside pressure.
I don't know how long I haven't felt my game, she lamented.
Since last year, since my title, I have the impression that everyone is waiting for me.
And today, I could not conclude, I was not there.
My head was not there.
There is nothing to take away from her (Kanepi), she played the important points very well.
I had my chances, But I didn't know how to take them, because I was paralyzed by nervousness.
"
A first since 2016 for Mladenovic
The world number 1, the Australian Ashleigh Barty, was somewhat jostled by the 387th world, Daria Gavrilova, but ended up coming out (6-1, 7-6).
After a first set concluded in just 27 minutes, Barty, who sported a large bandage on his left thigh, seemed to lose the thread at the end of the second set.
Without consequence.
Finally, we note the fine performance of Kristina Mladenovic, who did not tremble to eliminate the Japanese Hibino this Thursday morning (7-5, 6-1).
It had been five years since the Frenchwoman had reached the third round in Melbourne - and almost three years all Grand Slams combined.
She will face in the next round the American Jessica Pegula (61st) or the Australian Samantha Stosur (112th).
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