The short version
- Seventeen-year-old Mika Stojsavljevic secured her first WTA Tour main-draw win by defeating Sofia Kenin in three sets at the Hong Kong Open.
- The British player entered the match on short notice as a lucky loser after failing to advance through qualifying rounds.
- Stojsavljevic, ranked 411st in the world, overcame Kenin, who is ranked significantly higher and holds a Grand Slam title from 2020.
A significant upset occurred at the Hong Kong Open when British teenager Mika Stojsavljevic defeated former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin to claim her first victory in the main draw of a WTA Tour event. The match concluded with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, marking a pivotal moment for the seventeen-year-old player who had only learned she would compete an hour before stepping onto the court. This result highlights the unpredictable nature of professional tennis, where lower-ranked players can advance through the lucky loser system despite missing out on standard qualifying.
Stojsavljevic entered the tournament as a lucky loser after losing in the qualifying rounds. This status allowed her to take the place of a player who withdrew or lost earlier, granting her entry into the main draw despite not earning it through the initial qualifying matches. The short notice meant she had virtually no time for strategic preparation or physical warm-up specific to the conditions. She described her approach as simply going out and swinging, relying on instinct rather than a detailed game plan against a seasoned opponent.
The disparity in rankings between the two competitors was stark. Stojsavljevic holds a world ranking of 411, while Kenin is positioned at number 224, placing her more than two hundred spots higher in the global standings. Kenin’s resume includes winning the Australian Open in 2020, establishing her as a proven Grand Slam champion. However, her recent performance has been inconsistent, with reports indicating a difficult period since her major title victory. This contrast in career trajectories added weight to the match, pitting a rising junior talent against an established but currently struggling veteran.
On the court, Stojsavljevic demonstrated precision and composure under pressure. She recorded six winners compared to zero for Kenin, showcasing her ability to finish points effectively. Defensively, she managed to save three of the eight break points she faced, a critical factor in maintaining her serve during tense moments of the deciding set. The match was closely contested, with Kenin taking the second set before Stojsavljevic regained control to close out the victory in the third. This performance underscores her growing resilience and technical skill at the professional level.
This victory represents the second notable win for Stojsavljevic this year. Earlier in April, she defeated Talia Gibson, who was ranked fifty-sixth in the world at the time, during Billie Jean King Cup qualifying matches. That result signaled her potential to compete against higher-ranked opponents, and the win over Kenin confirms that potential on a larger stage. Her confidence appears to be growing, as she noted her belief in herself despite acknowledging the difficulty of facing a Grand Slam champion.
Stojsavljevic’s journey to this point began at age seven when she started playing tennis at Ealing Lawn Tennis Club in north-west London. She was inspired by watching her brother practice, which led to her own dedication to the sport. Her junior career has been highly successful, culminating in her becoming the first Briton in fifteen years to win the US Open junior title in 2024. During that period, she reached a high of fifth in the junior world rankings before turning professional in 2025.
Her transition to the professional tour has shown steady progress. Earlier this year, she reached the quarter-finals of a WTA 125 event in Birmingham, which is the tier immediately below the main WTA Tour. This performance indicated her readiness for higher-level competition. The win in Hong Kong serves as a validation of her development and suggests she is capable of competing consistently at the top level. It also provides valuable ranking points and experience that will be crucial for her future campaigns.
Looking ahead, Stojsavljevic will face Zeynep Sonmez, currently ranked sixty-seventh in the world, in the second round of the Hong Kong Open. This match presents another significant challenge as she continues to navigate the main draw. The outcome of this next encounter will further define her trajectory on the tour. For now, her victory over Kenin stands as a testament to her adaptability and skill, marking a memorable milestone in her young career.
The broader implications of this match extend beyond individual rankings. It highlights the competitive depth of women’s tennis and the opportunities available to younger players through systems like the lucky loser provision. As Stojsavljevic continues to gain experience, her performances will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Her ability to perform under pressure against high-profile opponents suggests a promising future in the sport.
In summary, Mika Stojsavljevic’s win over Sofia Kenin is a notable achievement that underscores her rapid rise in professional tennis. The victory, achieved under challenging circumstances with minimal preparation, demonstrates her mental toughness and technical proficiency. As she moves forward to face higher-ranked opponents, this match will likely be remembered as a turning point in her career.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗GB's Stojsavljevic, 17, claims first WTA Tour win despite short notice
