To win the Ningbo Open championship in China, Daria Kasatkina overcame her close friend Mirra Andreeva.
Kasatkina, the fifth seed from Russia, defeated her teenage countrywoman 6-0 4-6 6-4 in a fierce match. Andreeva threw away a 3-0 lead in the last set and cried after the match.
After making just two unforced mistakes in a commanding first set, Kasatkina appeared to be cruising.
After winning the first three games of the decisive set, 17-year-old Andreeva made a stunning comeback and appeared to be in control. However, Kasatkina took advantage of a string of unforced mistakes to win five straight games before declaring victory.
The audience was already happy when Kasatkina made a heartfelt gesture in the direction of her longtime friend.
At the traditional award ceremony, where Andreeva famously broke down in tears while attempting to address the Chinese fans during her runner-up speech, Kasatkina stepped in to save her compatriot and hugged her. To console the young Russian talent who was suffering a devastating loss in Ningbo, the 27-year-old hurried to the stage.
These feelings were understandable given that the young athlete missed out on a fantastic chance to win her second WTA title this season following her most recent victory in Iasi, Romania.
Cheering up her friend 🥹@DKasatkina consoles Andreeva on the podium in Ningbo after a close-fought battle 💜#NingboOpen pic.twitter.com/Z24w8QF5AC
— wta (@WTA) October 20, 2024
Darya Kasatkina in 2024
Now ranked no.11, the Russian played her last match on the 20th of October when she overcame world no.19 Mirra Andreeva 6-0 4-6 6-4 in the final in Ningbo to win her 7th career title.
This season Darya has a 39-21 record. Kasatkina clinched 2 titles in 2024 in Eastbourne and Ningbo. Darya got to the final in Adelaide, Abu Dhabi, Charleston and Seoul.
Kasatkina clinched 2 titles in 2024 in Eastbourne and Ningbo. Darya was the runner-up in Adelaide (Adelaide International), in Abu Dhabi (Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open), in Charleston (Credit One Charleston Open) and in Seoul (Korea Open).
Darya won 7 titles in her career: 3 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 2 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)
Kasatkina has scheduled to compete next in Tokyo (Toray Pan Pacific Open). She will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 21st of October.
Mirra Andreeva in 2024
Ranked no.19 (career-high), Andreeva played her last match on the 20th of October when she capitulated to world no.11 Darya Kasatkina 6-0 4-6 6-4 in the final in Ningbo (draw).
At the moment, during this season Mirra achieved a composed 34-16 match record. The Russian clinched 1 title in Iasi. Andreeva was the finalist in Ningbo.
Andreeva has scheduled to compete next in Tokyo (Toray Pan Pacific Open). She will start to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 21st of October.
Darya Kasatkina and Mirra Andreeva fought against each other just once. Their actual record is 1-0 for Kasatkina. When they played, Darya Kasatkina won 6-0 4-6 6-4 in the final in Ningbo (Ningbo Open) on the 20th of October 2024.
Darya Kasatkina in 2024
Currently ranked no.11, Kasatkina played her last match on the 20th of October when she overcame world no.19 Mirra Andreeva 6-0 4-6 6-4 in the final in Ningbo to win her 7th career title.
This year Darya has an overall 39-21 match record. Kasatkina conquered 2 titles in 2024 in Eastbourne and Ningbo. Kasatkina reached the final in Adelaide, Abu Dhabi, Charleston and Seoul.
Darya has won 2 titles in 2024 in Eastbourne and Ningbo. The Russian got to the final in Adelaide (Adelaide International), in Abu Dhabi (Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open), in Charleston (Credit One Charleston Open) and in Seoul (Korea Open).
Darya won 7 titles in her career: 3 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 2 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)
Kasatkina is scheduled to play next in Tokyo (Toray Pan Pacific Open). She will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 21st of October.
Mirra Andreeva in 2024
Currently ranked no.19 (career-high), Andreeva played her last encounter on the 20th of October when she was defeated by world no.11 Darya Kasatkina 6-0 4-6 6-4 in the final in Ningbo (draw).
This season Mirra has a compiled 34-16 match record. Mirra clinched 1 title in Iasi. Mirra was the runner-up in Ningbo.
Andreeva will play next in Tokyo (Toray Pan Pacific Open). She will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 21st of October.
Darya Kasatkina and Mirra Andreeva clashed against each other just once. Their current record is 1-0 for Kasatkina. When they played, Darya Kasatkina won 6-0 4-6 6-4 in the final in Ningbo (Ningbo Open) on the 20th of October 2024.
