Australian Open: Peyton Stearns upsets Sofia Kenin

American tennis player Peyton Stearns received an unusual request from a fan at the Australian Open as she defeated No. 27 Sofia Kenin in straight sets on Monday, 6-3, 6-2.

Stearns wrote on social media that she wanted the fan who “barked” at her to do it again when she faces Croatian Petra Marcinko in the second round.

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Peyton Stearns reacts during her match against Sofia Kenin at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Monday January 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

“Whoever barked at me during my match today, keep it up for the next round,” she wrote on X.

The barking may have been a motivation for Stearns, 24, who is making only his third appearance at the Australian Open. She had 15 aces and was 3 of 7 on break points against Kenin.

Kenin committed four double faults and couldn’t find the rhythm to beat Stearns.

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Sofia Kenin plays a forehand return to Peyton Stearns at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Monday, January 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Stearns made her Women’s Tennis Association debut in 2021 at the Silicon Valley Classic as an alternate for the doubles draw. A year later, she was a wildcard at the US Open.

Stearns has one WTA title in her career. She won five tournaments on the International Tennis Federation circuit and finished second four times.

Peyton Stearns plays a forehand return at the Australian Open, Monday, January 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

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At the Australian Open for the past two years, Stearns has only reached the first round. She lost to Emma Navarro last year and Daria Kasatkina in 2024.

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