TOP five talent, Sofia Kenin has won her second title of 2020, following on from her Australian Open triumph to take out the Lyon Open. The 21-year-old American had already risen to fifth in the rankings and after a disappointing Round of 32 exit at Qatar was keen to make a statement in France. She did just that in the final, defeating German Anna-Lena Friedsam 6-2 4-6 6-4 in an hour and 49 minutes.

Both players served at a high efficiency rate of 74.7 per cent (Kenin) and 72.9 per cent (Friedsam), with the American slightly ahead in first serve points won (66.2 to 61.0), though the German topped her in second serve points won (54.5 to 43.5). They also had their fair share of breaks despite the high efficiency, with the number one seed breaking her opponent five times from 10 chances, whilst the German broke three times from six opportunities.

The second set surprise result showed that the German is capable of matching it with the world’s best and only won four less points than her opponent during the tight contest. It was Friedsam’s second overall final and first final since 2015 when she achieved the feat in Linz. Reaching this final has helped the world number 136 propel herself up into 106th in the world. The win also helped Kenin leapfrog the injured Bianca Andreescu by 35 rankings points into number four in the world which will be crucial for the upcoming Grand Slams if she can hold her position in that spot.

FINAL RESULT:

[1] Sofia Kenin defeated Anna-Lena Friedsam (GER) 6-2 4-6 6-4