American Tennis Star Asks Australian Open Fan to Stop ‘Barking’ During Win
American tennis player Peyton Stearns made headlines during her recent match at the Australian Open. In a stunning performance, she defeated No. 27 Sofia Kenin in straight sets, winning 6-3, 6-2.
Peyton Stearns Calls on Fan to Keep ‘Barking’ Support
After the victory, Stearns took to social media with a unique request. She asked a fan who had “barked” during the match to continue this enthusiastic support in her next round against Croatia’s Petra Marcinko.
Stearns’ social media post expressed her enjoyment of the crowd’s energy. The 24-year-old athlete stated, “Whoever barked at me during my match today, please keep it up for the next round,” implying that the fan’s vocal support was motivating.
Match Highlights
- Date: January 19, 2026
- Event: Australian Open
- Opponent: Sofia Kenin (Ranked No. 27)
- Stearns’ Aces: 15
- Break Points: 3-of-7
- Kenin’s Double Faults: 4
This match marked Stearns’ third appearance at the Australian Open. In previous years, she was eliminated in the first round, losing to Emma Navarro in 2025 and Daria Kasatkina in 2024.
Career Overview
Peyton Stearns debuted in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in 2021. Her first tournament was the Silicon Valley Classic, where she entered the doubles draw as an alternate. The following year, she was a wildcard entrant at the U.S. Open.
Stearns has achieved one WTA title and has competed successfully on the International Tennis Federation circuit, winning five titles and finishing as a runner-up four times.
As she moves forward in the Australian Open, fans are eager to see how her momentum from this win continues to build. Stearns’ unique interactions with her supporters underscore her connection with the crowd and the growing excitement surrounding her career.
