"I've had tough matches to get to final" - Kenin on Lyon final vs Friedsam

The 2020 Australian Open champion faced many strong opponents on her way to the final. In her semifinal clash against Van Uytvanck, Sofia Kenin needed 3 tie-breaks and 2 and a half hours to book the final spot.

"It was a really tough match. She played tremendously. Every point was a battle. Just a few points, a few shots went my way," Kenin said after the match. I know her game pretty well, so I knew what I needed to do. She's improved a lot, and I've improved. I expected her to come out and play some big tennis and serve big. It was easy to adapt because I know her game well, but the scoreline wasn't easy."

The young American did not play ideal matches after her Australian Open triumph when she lost 3 matches in a row. However, in Lyon, she is showing her best tennis once again and is ready to win the title.

"I'm happy to be in the finals. I wasn't 100 percent in the last two weeks in Dubai and Doha, but I played some tough players," the American continued. "I think this is a good turnaround for me. I've had a few matches, and even though it's not the best tennis, I would say, but in each match win, I'm playing better and better."

"I've had tough matches to get to time final. The deeper I get into the tournament, the harder it's going to get," Kenin said. "Everyone's fighting and it's not going to be easy. I'm just ready to fight. I've had three sets these past three days, and long hours of tennis. I'm happy with it. I like playing... so it's a good boost to my confidence after Melbourne, for sure. I know [Friedsam], but I've never practiced, played against her or watched her play."