British teenager Mika Stojsavljevic secured a landmark victory on the WTA Tour by defeating former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in Hong Kong. The 17-year-old, who had just lost in the final round of qualifying, received a last-minute reprieve when Leylah Fernandez withdrew from the main draw. Stojsavljevic learned of her entry just one hour before the match, facing an opponent ranked more than 200 places above her in the world.
British teen shocks ex-grand slam champion in chaotic Hong Kong upset
Despite the minimal preparation time, Stojsavljevic displayed remarkable composure to grind out a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory over the American. The match lasted two hours and 19 minutes, showcasing the teen’s resilience against a player who claimed her only major title at the 2020 Australian Open. This result marks a significant milestone for the highly-rated British prospect, who has now recorded her first professional win on the main tour.
The upset highlights the unpredictable nature of the WTA 250 event and underscores Stojsavljevic’s potential as a rising star in British tennis. By overcoming a significant ranking disparity and logistical hurdles, the teenager demonstrated the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level. This performance sets the stage for her continued development and signals to the tennis world that she is ready to challenge established veterans.
Source: The Independent Sport
