Russian sixth seed Daria Kasatkina emerged victorious in the Eastbourne International final, defeating Leylah Fernandez in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-4. The battle, lasting for one hour and 50 minutes at Devonshire Park, saw Kasatkina secure her seventh WTA title.
The decisive match began with Kasatkina taking control of the first set, securing an early break as she capitalized on Fernandez’s serve. Despite a spirited fightback from the Canadian, Kasatkina maintained her composure and momentum, ultimately clinching the set with a second break in the ninth game.
In the second set, Kasatkina initially surged to a 3-0 lead, displaying dominance. However, Fernandez demonstrated resilience, clawing her way back into the set and breaking Kasatkina twice to level the score at 3-3 and later go up 4-3. Undeterred, Kasatkina swiftly responded by breaking back, seizing the initiative once again.
As the match approached its climax, Kasatkina’s unwavering resolve proved to be the difference-maker. Ultimately, victory was secured when Fernandez overhit a forehand return, cementing Kasatkina’s triumph in the final. This win holds significant value for Kasatkina as she had experienced a series of setbacks in previous WTA finals, with her last tour title dating back to 2022.
Despite Fernandez exhibiting flashes of quality, particularly at the net, a high frequency of unforced errors during baseline rallies hindered her momentum, contributing to her defeat.
Kasatkina’s notable display of nerve and determination in the face of Fernandez’s challenges serves as a confidence boost for the upcoming Wimbledon, where she aims to surpass her previous quarter-final appearances.
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