'In tears': Australian Open champ breaks down after brutal loss

Sofia Kenin appeared to be in tears as she exited the Yarra Valley Classic after Garbine Muguruza crushed the American 6-2, 6-2 in an Aus Open final rematch.

Kenin has been talking about the pressure she has felt defending her Australian Open crown and her loss to Muguruza at the Yarra Valley Classic appeared to much.

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A year ago, Kenin was able to overcome the Spaniard to grab her first Grand Slam title.

But this time the World No.4 had no answer to Muguruza after making 28 unforced errors.

Muguruza has been in imperious form after only dropping four games in total in the two matches prior to the Kenin clash.

However, fans were saddened to see Kenin in tears as she left the court after talking about the pressure she has been feeling.

Kenin admits to nerves ahead of Aus Open defence

Kenin said the prospect of defending a major will be a new challenge when the Australian Open starts on February 8.

"Obviously very nervous. It's the first time I'm experiencing coming back to a Grand Slam where I want to try to defend my title," she said.

"Of course, there's nerves, but I'm going to do my best and we're going to see how it goes."

The American emerged as a serious force in last year's truncated circuit, continuing her momentum from Melbourne by reaching the French Open final and rising to a career-high four in the world rankings.

Having emerged from a mandatory 14-day quarantine, where she was allowed to practise five hours a day with former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, Moscow-born Kenin said she was excited about being back in Melbourne.

"It's really special. Super glad to be here," she said.

"I'm trying to somehow handle the emotions on court.”

with AFP

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