Playing in just her third Grand Slam, 18-year-old Sofia Kenin got the chance to play her idol -- and her breakout major tournament earned her your votes, and the title of WTA Breakthrough of the Month for August.

At the US Open, the Russian-born American defeated compatriots Lauren Davis and Sachia Vickery before losing to 2006 champion Maria Sharapova in the third round for her best-ever Grand Slam to date.

The 2015 girls' singles runner-up at Flushing Meadows, Kenin captivated the nighttime crowd in New York, going toe-to-toe with the five-time Grand Slam champion befor eventually falling, 7-5, 6-2. 

"It's going to be the biggest audience of my life. I'm really excited. Words can't even describe how excited I am," Kenin told WTA Insider before her night session US Open debut against Sharapova.

"I'm just going to prepare how I've always prepared. Obviously, it's a bigger match and everything, but I'll try not to get overexcited. I'm going to try to do well." 

After the US Open, Kenin announced her decision to turn professional, and the American currently sits on the cusp of the Top 100 at World No.111.

Final Results for August's WTA Breakthrough Performance of the Month

1. Sofia Kenin (46%)
2. Shelby Rogers (34%)
3. Daria Kasatkina (20%)

2017 Breakthrough Performance Of The Month Winners

January: CoCo Vandeweghe
February: Kristina Mladenovic
March: Risa Ozaki
April: Daria Kasatkina
May: Jelena Ostapenko
June: Magdalena Rybarikova
July: Bianca Andreescu

How it works:

Finalists are selected by wtatennis.com
Winner is then determined by a fan vote on wtatennis.com