Daria Kasatkina showcased her impressive skills and playful personality after advancing to the fourth round of the French Open. The Russian-born player, who reached the semi-finals in 2022, has been in great form, defeating Paula Badosa decisively with a score of 6-1, 7-5. Prior to this victory, she overcame Katerina Siniakova and Leolia Jeanjean, both in straight sets, marking a strong performance on the iconic clay courts in Paris.
As she prepares to face her practice partner, the talented 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva, Kasatkina took a moment to entertain fans by imitating Rafael Nadal, humorously using a Spanish accent. With a laugh, she mimicked Nadal’s famous phrase, “Like Rafa, I will try to do my best, no,” showcasing her respect for the tennis legend while lightening the mood ahead of her challenging match.
Kasatkina acknowledged the difficulty of competing against Andreeva, who made it to the semi-finals last year and continues to improve with every tournament. “It’s going to be tough because she is an unbelievable mover on court,” Kasatkina remarked, emphasizing the challenges of playing on clay where it is harder to force errors from opponents.
Despite being perceived as the underdog in this match-up, Kasatkina remains positive and excited. She mentioned their frequent practice sessions, adding a humorous note about wondering if Andreeva has someone else’s phone number. The camaraderie between the two players reflects the spirit of competition at Roland Garros, where they will both be vying for victory on the grand stage.
With her joyful attitude and dedication, Kasatkina is eager for the challenge ahead, aiming to make her mark at this year’s French Open. As the tournament progresses, her light-hearted approach amidst the competitive atmosphere brings a refreshing dynamic to the event.