Collins conquers Kasatkina 6-2, 6-1 for Charleston Open crown
Because the clay courtroom swing commenced on the inexperienced Har-Tru at this WTA occasion in Charleston, South Carolina, two elite gamers battled for the trophy, status, and 500 rating factors. Danielle Collins, the thirty-year-old American and reigning Miami Open champion was in the hunt for her fifth profession title and second previously two weeks as she competes in her closing season on tour.
She has seemed match and fierce whereas tearing by way of the draw on the Credit score One Open with the lack of only one set in 5 matches. Whereas she trailed the head-to-head 1-2 and misplaced their solely match on clay, that they had not performed each other in virtually three years.
Daria Kasatkina from Russia reached a career-high rating of #8 two years in the past and is presently ranked #11. She has gone the space in 4 of her 5 matches, participant tiebreaks, and shut to a few hours in her final two.
The twenty-six-year-old having made two finals this season (Abu Dhabi & Adelaide) was in search of her first of 2024, seventh total, and was nonetheless a youngster when she secured her first tour-level title in Charleston, SC!
(AFP)
Kasatkina received the toss and elected to obtain. Collins missed 4/5 first serves however with a profitable crosscourt forehand, held simply to 15. Kasatkina struggled in her opening service recreation regardless of main 30-15. She confronted eight deuce, 4 break factors, and dumped serve when Collins ripped a backhand crosscourt.
The American donated her first double fault however with three further winners, consolidated the break for 3-0 whereas Kasatkina gifted her first double fault, and confronted three deuce and two break factors earlier than holding for 1-3.
Collins opened the fourth together with her second double fault however struck three consecutive, formidable winners and held for 4-1 whereas the Russian made 5/6 first serves and held to 30 for 2-4.
Collins opened the seventh with a mishit drop shot however with three extra exceptional winners, held to 15 for 5-2 whereas Kasatkina serving with new balls, donated two further double faults and conceded the sport and set.
Collins served first within the second and with two consecutive forehand winners held at love whereas Kasatkina gifted her fourth double fault, confronted two deuce, three break factors, and dumped serve.
Collins struck three consecutive winners together with her first ace and held at like to consolidate the break for 3-0. Kasatkina donated two double faults and dropped serve when she netted a backhand. She struck two consecutive forehand winners and reached double break level however didn’t convert as Collins hit three extraordinary winners to carry for 5-0.
The Russian held simply to 15 for 1-5 however it was too little too late as Collins struck three further winners together with an ace to safe victory and her second consecutive title.
The final participant to win the Miami and Charleston Opens back-to-back was Serena Williams in 2013. Collins was exemplary on serve profitable 95% of first and 59% of second serve factors. She was equally efficient when returning profitable 36% of first and 72% of second-serve return factors.
She saved each break factors she confronted whereas changing 4/12. Come Monday morning, she can be ranked 15th on the planet, and with 3/4s of the season remaining, keep tuned!!