Daria Kasatkina was succinct when reminded that she has to get past Aryna Sabalenka in Berlin.
The Russian star was competing at WTA Berlin and faced Marta Kostyuk in the round of 32.
After losing the first set 6-4, Kasatkina clinched the second set by tie-break before going on to win the third set 6-3 to progress.
Reaching the last 16, the 27-year-old will be hoping to advance into the latter stages of the tournament but now faces a stern test in the next round.
Told that she would be facing Sabalenka in the next round, the world number 14 responded: “s***,” before letting out a slightly nervous laugh.
In her defence, Kasatkina can’t be blamed for being daunted by the prospect of facing the Belarusian star, though her thoughts on the game should be seen as a joke – and possibly luring Sabalenka into a false sense of security by playing her own chances down.
The world number three has already won 14 singles titles in her career, including two grand slams.
Those successes have come in the Australian Open, with her most recent success coming this year.
Sabalenka will be hoping to go far in Berlin as the steps up her preparation for the next grand slam on the calendar, Wimbledon.
The year’s third slam takes place at the All-England Lawn Tennis club from July 1 to July 15.
News Summary:
- Daria Kasatkina had brutally honest one-word reply when told Aryna Sabalenka is next match
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