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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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American Peyton Stearns reacts during her first round match against compatriot Sofia Kenin at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, January 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
“Whoever barked at me during my match today, please 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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American Sofia Kenin plays a forehand return to compatriot Peyton Stearns during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 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.
American Peyton Stearns plays a forehand return to compatriot Sofia Kenin during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 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.
