Daria Kasatkina defeated fellow Russian Mirra Andreeva 6-0 4-6 6-4 in the final of the Ningbo Open in China to win her eighth career title and second of the season, after losing four finals earlier this year.
Daria Kasatkina wearing the Adidas Fall Slam Pro Match Tank and Adidas Winter Pro Wow Short
The fifth-seeded Kasatkina appeared to be in full control after committing just two unforced errors in a commanding first set, but 17-year-old Andreeva staged an impressive comeback after being broken at the start of the second set. The teenager responded by winning four straight games to turn the set around, and after forcing a decider, she took command by claiming the first three games of the final set.
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
However, a string of unforced errors allowed Kasatkina to storm back, winning five consecutive games before serving out the victory. An emotional Andreeva broke down in tears after squandering her lead and not using the opportunity to win her second career title, but Kasatkina quickly consoled her. Andreeva lightened the moment by apologizing for her tears, admitting she had tried not to cry because she didn’t want unflattering pictures, but ultimately couldn’t hold back her emotions.
On her way to the WTA 500 title in Ningbo, Kasatkina overcame the world No. 19 Andreeva, along with Katerina Siniakova, Yulia Putintseva, and Paula Badosa, winning all her matches in three sets except for Badosa, who retired in the second set.