Kasatkina Claims Ningbo Open Title in Thrilling Comeback
Daria Kasatkina secured her second title of the season on Sunday, defeating 17-year-old compatriot Mirra Andreeva 6-0, 4-6, 6-4 in the Ningbo Open final in China. This victory marks Kasatkina’s eighth career trophy and propels her into the world’s top 10.
A Tale of Two Sets
The match began with Kasatkina dominating the opening set, leaving Andreeva looking nervous and out of sorts. However, the tables turned in the second set as Kasatkina faltered after winning the first game. Andreeva seized the opportunity, rallying to draw level when Kasatkina sent a backhand wide.
Momentum Shifts in Deciding Set
Andreeva built a 3-0 lead in the deciding set, but Kasatkina refused to give up. As Andreeva’s unforced error count climbed, the momentum swung in Kasatkina’s favor. The 27-year-old secured the win, overcoming a tough moment in the third set where she was on the brink of losing belief.
Post-Match Reflections
“In the first set, I gave everything,” Kasatkina said in a post-match interview. “I was super focused, and the level was so high. But obviously after that, I dropped a little bit and Mirra was there ready to take it over.” Kasatkina praised Andreeva’s tenacity, saying, “She’s this kind of player who never gives up, and to win any point you have to almost die on court.”
A Bittersweet Moment for Andreeva
The loss was a tough pill to swallow for Andreeva, who was in tears after missing a golden chance to claim her second title this year. Despite the disappointment, Andreeva’s impressive performance in the tournament suggests a bright future ahead for the young Russian player.
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