Daria Kasatkina has reached her first grand slam quarter-final at the French Open after knocking out second seed Caroline Wozniacki 7-6(5), 6-3.
The encounter between the two seeded players began on Sunday evening, but was postponed due to bad light. Resuming play at 3-3 in the second set, it was the less experienced Kasatkina that held her nerve to prevail. The Russian 21-year-old is playing in only her 11th grand slam main draw compared to Wozniacki’s 45th.
Kasatkina, who has now defeated Wozniacki three times this year, got the decisive breakthrough when leading 4-3 on serve. A gut-busting 33-shot exchange between the two concluded with a Wozniacki backhand landing out. Triggered by a series of angle shots from Kasatkina. The outcome of that rally resulted in a break for the 14th seed and a chance to serve for the match. A mission Kasatkina achieved with ease after racing to a 40-0 lead before covering her second match point, thanks to another error from the second seed.
“I’m really happy. It is a dream come true to play on this court (Philippe Chatrier). It has been my dream since I was a child, so I’m really happy to be here.” Kasatkina said after the match.
Wozniacki, who won her first grand slam title earlier this year in Australia, praised her rival after the match. Her head-to-head against Kasatkina now stands at 1-3.
“I honestly didn’t think I played badly this morning.” The world No.2 said in her press conference. “She didn’t miss one ball, and she was playing very close to the lines. I was trying what I could, but it just wasn’t enough today.”
In what was a roller coaster fourth round experience for both players, Kasatkina hit 23 winners to 35 unforced errors. Along with one ace and six double faults. Awaiting her in the last eight at Roland Garros will be US Open champion Sloane Stephens.
“I think whoever I play, it will be an interesting matchup.” Stephens said following her fourth round win on Sunday.
The upcoming match will be Kasatkina’s third meeting with Stephens. Their head-to-head is currently tied at 1-1 with the American winning their latest clash in straight sets at Indian Wells earlier this year.
