The spotlight is back on Sofia Kenin, but the conversation has shifted from her powerful groundstrokes to the intense dynamic with her coach and father, Alex Kenin. As the Australian Open 2026 approaches, a growing chorus of supporters is urging the 2020 champion to seek a new coaching voice, citing the visible pressure from the player's box.
Brisbane Loss Fuels Coaching Controversy
The debate reached a fever pitch following Kenin's second-round exit at the Brisbane International. The American, now 27, fell to Ekaterina Alexandrova with a scoreline of 7-6(2), 6-3. While the match was competitive, the cameras told a story beyond the score. They repeatedly captured Alex Kenin in the stands, his frustration palpable as momentum swung away from his daughter.
Fans and viewers felt the weight of the moment. Many expressed that the heavy energy from her support box made it difficult for Sofia to play with freedom. With the first Grand Slam of the year just weeks away, the timing of these concerns has amplified the discussion about her team's future.
A Father-Daughter Partnership Under Scrutiny
Sofia Kenin's career has been inextricably linked to her father's guidance. Aside from her foundational years training with Rick Macci from age five to twelve, Alex has been her primary coach. Their partnership was briefly interrupted in 2021, but they reunited shortly after.
However, recent incidents have intensified criticism. Social media erupted after the Brisbane match, with one fan noting, "Kenin’s dad threw a water bottle in anger after a double fault. I feel bad that she has to be around that kind of energy all the time." Another argued that a change is essential for a resurgence: "The day Sofia Kenin moves on from her dad as coach, she will be back. She is already close."
This sentiment was compounded by an event earlier in 2025 at the Abu Dhabi Open, where Alex Kenin was filmed making a rude hand gesture, a clip that went viral and added fuel to the fire.
Crossroads: Past Glory and Future Prospects
Kenin's journey has been a rollercoaster since her peak in 2020, when she won the Australian Open and climbed to a career-high World No. 4. Her recent results have been mixed, featuring a runner-up finish at the 2025 Charleston Open but also early exits, including a straight-sets loss to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Abu Dhabi after qualifying.
Some fans believe the coaching change should have happened immediately after her 2020 Melbourne triumph. Others counter that her previous split from her father did not yield better results. As she looks to reset for the 2026 season, the decision about her coaching setup looms large. The coming weeks before the Australian Open will be critical in determining whether the former champion continues with a familiar voice or seeks a new direction to reclaim her place at the top of the game.
