MADRID: Russian world No.15 Daria Kasatkina resisted some big hitting from Garbine Muguruza to progress into the third round of the Madrid Open.
Taking on the the world No.3 at the Caja Magica, Kasatkina prevailed 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, during a two-and-a-half hour thriller. Fending off six of the 10 break points she faced. Heading into the decider, the 21-year-old got the early lead for 3-1. She then had a chance to extend her lead to 5-1, but failed to convert eight break points during an 11-deuce game. Triggering a mini resurgence from the Wimbledon champion. Nevertheless, Kasatkina held her nerve to move into the last eight of a Premier mandatory event for the third time in her career.
“It always gives you confidence when you are beating the big players on the big stage. Matches like this, when you are fighting for every ball, of course after these matches you feel much better.” Said Kasatkina.
Kasatkina wasn’t just playing against Muguruza, she was also contending with the animated Spanish crowd. Who made themselves noticed with loud cheering and occasional whistling. Not that it deterred the Russian.
“I was ready for them to support her so much because she is Spanish and is playing at home. I was ready for that and trying to get the energy. The atmosphere was amazing.”
Meanwhile Muguruza, who produced her best run ever in Madrid this year, exits the tournament upbeat about the future.
“I am disappointed, but in comparison with other years that I felt in Madrid, this year I’m very happy because I feel like I really gave everything I had over there.” She said. “I felt good. It’s just that Kasatkina played better today.”
Kasatkina will next take on Petra Kvitova in what will be their first meeting on the tour.
Sharapova tops Mladenovic
Earlier in the evening, Maria Sharapova continued her encouraging run at the Caja Magica with a 6-3, 6-4, win over Kristina Mladenovic. Who was runner-up to Simona Halep in the tournament last year. After dropping her opening service game, Sharapova went on to dominate the encounter with a mixture of power and some delicate drop shots along the way. Hitting 30 winners to 20 unforced errors.
“I just felt like I did the right things,” Sharapova said during her press conference. “Despite a slow start, I was still very positive. I still felt like I was doing the right things out there, and continued to do so. I felt like I returned much better than I have been, which makes your life a little bit easier.”
Sharapova credits her resurgence partly to her coach Thomas Hogstedt. Who reunited with her earlier this year. She is yet to drop a set and it is the first time she has scored three consecutive wins in the same event since Shenzhen at the start of the year.
“I do really like what I’m doing on the practice court. That comes with the territory of having someone familiar by your side that’s known you, as well as played against you, coached against you.” She explained.
“I’ve never really shied away from work, but I think the repetition sometimes, I’m a little bit impatient. I like newness, fresh perspectives. I think that’s something that Thomas has been really, really good at.” She later added.
Sharapova will next take on Kiki Bertens. The Dutch player is also yet to drop a set in the tournament. Thrashing second seed Caroline Wozniacki 6-2, 6-2, in her last 16 match. All five of Bertens’ WTA titles have occurred on the clay.
“It’s always interesting how you finish one (match), then it’s less than 24 hours you’re on to the next one.” Said Sharapova.
“She’s (Bertens) a confidence player as well. I think that’s one of the reasons she’s been playing so well. Clearly loves the clay. I look forward to that challenge. It’s great to be at this stage.”
