Deadlocked at 2-all in the decisive set, Garbine Muguruza was holding triple break point poised to take charge of this tense Australian Open final.
In a flurry of five straight winners, Sofia Kenin sparked a surge that saw her tear through four games in a row closing an inspired 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 comeback win over Muguruza.
More: Kenin Conquers Muguruza in AO Final
The former world No. 1 credited Kenin's spirited response to stress as the key to her maiden major win.
"It was a very important moment of the match," Muguruza told the media in Melbourne. "I think she found very, very good shots during the match. Especially in the important moments, I think she came out with winners and just hitting the ball very good.
"I think the way she handled the breakpoints and the game points, these kind of moments, I think she came out doing winners, which is a tough moment. I think she played very well. I think it's her first Grand Slam final for her and she performed really well."
Ultimately, fatigue from four consecutive wins over Top 30 players—combined with Kenin's quick pace of play—cost Muguruza, who lost the leg lift on serve. Muguruza committed four of her eight double faults in the final set, including double-faulting away the second championship point.
The clever Kenin converted five of six break points, while Muguruza converted just two of her 12 break-point opportunities.
"I'm not very happy about my performance," Muguruza said. "I think I had to play better today because she came up with a great level. I think at the important moments I didn't find my shots. I think she found her shots, I didn't found my shots. I did fail a little bit lack of energy after so many matches.
"Physically was a tough battle out there. So, you know, it's just a tough moment. Right now it's tough to be happy, although it has been an incredible tournament. You lose a final, but you got to make it to the final to be able to win or lose. Yeah, I think she played very well."
Asked if she believes the 21-year-old Kenin can win multiple majors, Muguruza replied "I think so."
"If she keeps playing like this, she prove us that she can play very well, play very well in the important moments, which is different story," Muguruza said. "I think it's even more special."
Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve