Ningbo, China. During each change of sides, Daria Kasatkina and Mirra Andreeva passed each other as if the other didn’t exist. It was remarkable to see, given how well they know each other both on and off the court. After all, “What the Vlog” plays a significant role in their relationship. Both had much at stake: Kasatkina could win her second WTA 500 title of the season, while Andreeva was aiming for her first ever.
Nerves for Mirra Andreeva
The pressure clearly affected the 17-year-old Andreeva in the first set, resulting in a series of missed forehands down the line and visible nerves. A crushing 6-0 set loss was a harsh awakening for Andreeva in a packed Ningbo Open stadium.
Kasatkina’s Serve Disintegrates
The second set seemed to be heading in the same direction until Kasatkina’s game suddenly faltered. Not just slightly either—the double faults piled up, and Andreeva began capitalizing on Kasatkina’s second serves. With Kasatkina’s game falling apart, Andreeva started to play with more freedom. She took the second set 6-4, with Kasatkina showing signs of improvement toward the end.
Showdown in the Third
The Chinese crowd, firmly behind Andreeva, finally got what they came for: a showcase of the young Russian’s talent, as she surged to a 3-0 lead. Kasatkina seemed overwhelmed by Andreeva’s winners down the line, but she clawed her way back into the match. At 3-1, Kasatkina’s negative emotions shifted to the determined focus she’s known for when she raises her game. Meanwhile, her girlfriend, figure skater Natalia Zabiiako, was clearly feeling the tension, with beads of sweat on her otherwise perfectly composed appearance.
The turning point came in a long fifth game where Kasatkina managed to break Andreeva. Down only 2-3, her confidence returned. She held serve convincingly, even taking a love game to level the score at 3-3. Andreeva looked across the net in disbelief, as Kasatkina’s improved play started to get into her head. Andreeva began going for winners in rallies where there was no real opportunity, much to the dismay of her coach, Martinez. Kasatkina broke Andreeva’s serve again, taking a 4-3 lead.
Her next service game came easily, helped by unforced errors from Andreeva, who was now visibly on the verge of tears. Though Andreeva managed to hold her own serve for 5-4 with a few brilliant points, it was too late. Kasatkina served for the match, with so much spin on her serve that one shot seemed to boomerang back, drawing laughs from parts of the crowd. But Andreeva was already reeling at 30-15, metaphorically on the ropes. Kasatkina gathered her courage and caught her breath before claiming the title 6-0, 4-6, 6-4.
With Flying Colors and Two Kisses
Falling to the ground in joy, as if she had just won the Australian Open, it was clear how much this victory meant to Daria Kasatkina. Andreeva muttered a “spasiba” at the net, letting her tears flow. She couldn’t contain her nerves and had played below her usual level. As she continued to sulk, Kasatkina had already embraced her coaches before quickly breaking free. Her real target being Natalia Zabiiako. Always the cool one, Natalia was caught off guard as Daria showered her with a kiss or 2. As observers, we must remain neutral, but it’s hard not to appreciate the beauty of love in moments like this.
Daria Kasatkina won the Ningbo Open 2024 thoroughly deserved, and with flying colors. And the two quick kisses sealed it all in style.