Kenin's father back on coaching team ahead of Australian Open

[November 10, 2021] (Reuters)-Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin said on Tuesday her father is back on her coaching team after the pair split earlier this year.

The 22-year-old shocked the tennis world when she came from behind to defeat Garbine Muguruza and win the 2020 Australian Open, climbing to a career-high ranking of world number four.

However, after a string of disappointing performances earlier this year she said she had parted ways with her father, Alex Kenin, as coach.

"This year has been a very bumpy road for me," she wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.

"I'm finally back to training and doing what I love! I'm happy to have my dad in my life who has always been there for me through thick and thin.

"Excited that he's part of my team and I'm super excited to get back on court competing again next year."

.

Sofia Kenin of the U.S. during her fourth round match against Greece's Maria Sakkari REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

Kenin had to withdraw from the U.S. Open this year after testing positive for COVID-19 despite being vaccinated.

(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

[© 2021 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2021 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.