Same numbers, but a new Kasatkina

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🎾 McCartney Kessler vs Daria Kasatkina

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Perhaps Daria Kasatkina is not the first name that comes to mind when we think of the most successful players in 2024, but few have been as consistent and present in almost every tournament played. With a record of 39-21 at this stage, it is evident that the Russian has played a lot this year, which is why she boasts numbers that very few can reach: runner-up in Adelaide, runner-up in Abu Dhabi, runner-up in Charleston, champion in Eastbourne, runner-up in Seoul, and champion in Ningbo. She only faltered in the Grand Slams, where she didn't make it past the first week of competition.

"In terms of results, I would say that this season has been very similar to the two previous years when I finished in the top 10 in the world," comments the Russian in statements collected by WTA after her latest trophy this Sunday. "However, in terms of mental stability, I believe this is my best season. If we talk about the game, compared to the other years, I also think I improved. I am very happy to be back in the top 10, it means a lot to me, and I look forward to this last tournament of the year," acknowledges a woman who knows perfectly the road back and forth to that top-ten group.

"This is my sixth week in Asia, my fifth tournament in this part of the season, but I'm doing well," she reflects after reaching the final in Seoul, the third round in Beijing, the round of 16 in Wuhan, and winning the title in Ningbo. "I feel good, I see the players who are struggling physically and mentally, so I am satisfied with this part. Fortunately, I am not someone who needs a physiotherapist all the time, I don't travel with one every week, so I was very lucky with genetics," adds the woman who is facing the Tokyo WTA 500 as the third seed in the draw.

Is there a risk of things overflowing after 60 matches accumulated in the legs? Of course, but that's where the experience of an athlete who has already experienced all kinds of feelings, both good and bad, comes into play. "Sometimes you don't know when the mental collapse will knock on your door. For example, last May I was a little depressed because I couldn't celebrate my birthday as I wanted, I simply couldn't celebrate it by not being with my friends and family, as I had to be at a tournament. Those simple things are what can break you at any moment," emphasizes the player from Togliatty.

HARMONY ON AND OFF THE COURT

With 27 years under her belt, Kasatkina made a total quality leap as an athlete long ago, both competitively and personally. She points to one of the most important keys to finding harmony in a job where constant demands and pressure can end you if you are not adequately prepared. In fact, the higher you rise, the more risk of vertigo. But these ghosts are now behind the Russian, who now boasts having an ideal environment where her partner serves as a banner to unload all her emotions.

"Natasha is traveling with me, having someone who can encourage you and listen to all the nonsense you say all the time is something distinctive," she comments with good humor in the article. "I have realized how important it is to have friends on the circuit with whom you can relax and go out for dinner; that is also an energy boost. It is very difficult to travel as many weeks as we do, it is mentally and physically exhausting, but this year I think I handled it quite well. I am very proud of myself, especially with the end of the year I am having," concludes the current best Russian tennis player.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mismos números, pero una nueva Kasatkina