The best thing about Sofia Kenin, who won the Australian Open today, is that you cannot tell whether she’s madder after losing a point or winning it. Down-the-line winner after a long quad-pulverizing rally? Keels over the racket and howls like she’s mad at it. Holds serve with a first major title in sight? Pops the unused ball out of her pocket and whips it over her shoulder 10 feet in the air like she’s mad at it. Thumps an untouchable return with title just points away? Hop-skips and kicks the baseline hard like she’s mad at it. This is a potent, chaotic energy and tennis needs it badly. Please join me in warmly welcoming this new Sith apprentice into the sport’s deep roster of weirdos.
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