- Sofia Kenin is the top-ranked American female tennis player in the world. She was named WTA’s 2020 Player of the Year after capturing her maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2020 and became the youngest American to do so since Serena Williams in 2002. Being the top ranked American, you’re likely see Sofia representing team U.S.A. at the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer.
- Sofia or Sonya? Sofia she’ll say, but her close friends and family still call her Sonya. Born in Moscow, Russia to immigrant parents, her family came to the U.S. with less than $300 to their name. Inspired by the American Dream, Sofia’s father, and lifelong coach with only a recreational tennis background (#GirlDad), instilled a passion for tennis in his daughter that has her soaring straight to the top.
- Child prodigy. “I want to be a champion and I want to be No. 1 in the world” she told reporters adamantly at just six years old. Sofia didn’t waste any time making a name for herself when she arrived in the US, catching the eye of veteran professional coaches at just five years old with her impressive hand-eye coordination and laser focus. 16 years later, her mantra and talent are in lockstep.
- How to get hyped and unwind when you’re a pro tennis player? Drake, Tyga, Chainz are some of the artists Sofia likes to play as she gets warmed up before a big match. When it’s time to head in the other direction, Sofia craves relaxation on the beach or a good binge on Netflix.
- Her favorite quote, “Champions keep playing, until they get it right” by Billie Jean King—a spectacular tennis player and crusader for women’s equality who established the WTA Tour. Sofia recently caught up with the legend herself to write her a special thank you note on behalf of female athletes everywhere, personally thanking her for her courage and leap of faith 50 years ago when she and nine other women fought for equal pay in professional tennis.
