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News & Articles about Dasha

7K views 51 replies 13 participants last post by  goldenlox 
#1 ·
:)

Here you can post all the interesting news and articles about our Dasha and of course also interviews with her.
 
#2 ·
Dasha :awww:

Daria Kasatkina will hold a charity event within the social project DaDobro.com | Top Five


Daria Kasatkina will hold a charity event within the social project DaDobro.com





Daria Kasatkina comes back to Russia to play WTA Premier Kremlin Cup. In advance of the tournament Dasha will visit an orphanage in Ivanteevka. She will meet with the kids, tell them how to become a professional sportsman, please them with some gifts and sign autographs.

In 2016 Darya Kasatkina became an active participant of a massive social project – DaDobro.com. DaDobro.com is a volunteer movement where everyone can find an application of their abilities, choose and make an own Good Deed. As distinguished from many charitable organizations and foundations, DaDobro.com movement does not collect donations. Volunteers of DaDobro.com wilfully, without money reward and on their own render assistance to those who are in need.

There is assistance to orphanages and children’s hospitals, care of veterans and nursing homes, actions aimed at environmental protection, construction of shelters for homeless animals, and more in the list of Good Deeds of DaDobro.com team. 68 sponsored social objects are in care of the volunteers.

“There are no borders, no limits on sex and age, differences in skin colour, place of birth and religion for DaDobro.com team. We do not participate in projects aimed “against” someone or something and propagandize only good deeds. I like this concept, so I am happy to join the movement of volunteers DaDobro.com”, – Dasha says.

As of today more than 2500 volunteers take part in DaDobro.com movement. They are not only individuals, but also the entire companies and labour collectives. During 4 years of its existence the movement DaDobro.com became a vivid example of corporate volunteering in Russia and abroad.

The volunteers offer Good Deed Ideas themselves in social networks (Facebook, vKontakte, Instagram) – you can find the page by hashtag #dadobro. The detailed information about previous and future promotions is posted at DaDobro.com.
 
#3 ·
??? ????? ?????? 2016

Daria Kasatkina: «I’ll just enjoy the final home tournament»15.10.2016

Daria Kasatkina, 19, “VTB Kremlin Cup-2015” champion in doubles shared her expectations from the tournament and commented on their duo with Daria Gavrilova.

-Last year you won the double title with Elena Vesnina. Whom will you play with this time?

-We’ll play with Daria Gavrilova. We’ve already played at Wimbledon and at US Open and so, we will play here as well.

- How did you start playing together?

-To be honest it was spontaneous. She wrote me before Roland Garros and suggested to play together. When it didn't happen in France, we decided to start with Wimbledon and managed to play well.

-How do you like playing together?

-Very comfortable: no pressure, we feel quite free and spend good time together.

-Last year you reached the semi-finals in singles at “VTB Kremlin Cup”. What are you expecting this year?
- To tell the truth, I don’t have any expectations. Because the more you expect, the more disappointments you have. So, I’ll just go on court and enjoy the game and tennis. I think I had quite a good season, so I’ll just enjoy this last one tournament of the year.

XXVII International tennis tournament “VTB Kremlin Cup” will take place in the Olympiysky Stadium on October, 15-23 2016.
 
#4 ·
??? ????? ?????? 2016

17.10.2016

Question: Daria, you played Belinda Bencic in Saint Petersburg, what changed since then?

Daria Kasatkina: It was tough to play today because no matter how the person changes, the style of the game is the same. When we step on court against each other, even to practice, we know what to do. I didn’t change anything [in the game], in Saint Petersburg I was more tired, I had a busy schedule and couldn’t play 100%. Today I played better so I am happy.

Q: What was the key to win?

D.K. In the beginning I was a little bit nervous and I think you could see it, I wasn’t playing very actively, I was waiting for her to make errors […]. When I began to lose, I understood I had to change something and started to play more aggressively, opened up the court and added spin to the ball. It brought some results.


Q: You hugged your opponent at the net. Are you friends?


D.K.: Yes, since juniors. We didn’t have ever any disagreements. We greet each other with a lot of warmth and chat a lot.

Q. In Saint Petersburg Belinda instructed you: ‘Dasha, see you in top10’. Now you were the better player, maybe, you’d like to give an instruction to her?

D.K.: Well, she doesn’t need any instructions for me, she knows what to do, what’s she’s capable of, she’s already been in top10. So I can support her only in some difficult moments.

Q: Last year you won the doubles title here. What is your mood arriving to Moscow?

D.K.: It’s my fourth or fifth time here but I was a little girl back then. It’s a pleasure to come back here, it feels like home. I know everybody here: securities and organizers. It’s nice to come home, to Russia. It’s good that we have already two tournaments. I’d like to thank everybody who comes to the matches as it’s important for us.

Q. Tomorrow you’ll be playing against Elena Vesnina in doubles who you won the doubles title with last year. What are your thoughts on the upcoming match?

D.K.: We had time to discuss that it was in both draws: men’s and women’s, that we have Russian duos playing against each other. I don’t have a lot of expectations before the match. Elena [Vesnina] with Ekaterina [Makarova] are one of the best doubles players in the world, they won the Golden medals at the Olympics so, together with Daria [Gavrilova] we have to show our best tennis to fight for the win.
 
#5 ·
http://www.kasatkina.net/news/daria-kasatkina-completes-her-first-season-on-tour

DARIA KASATKINA COMPLETES HER FIRST SEASON ON TOUR
October 22, 2016
Reaching quarterfinals in singles and making it into the doubles final – this is how Dasha performed in her last tournament of the year in Moscow. Kasatkina finishes 2016 as a member of WTA top-30 in the rankings.

Dasha played in the third round of three majors, made her Olympic debut and reached quarterfinals there, went to the semis at a Premier event in Saint Petersburg, quarters at Premier Mandatory in Indian-Wells. Russian also registered a couple of top-10 wins e.g. over Venus Williams & Roberta Vinci. Starting this year as a world #75, Kasatkina climbed about 50 positions in the standings and now she comfortably sits at #24.

“It was my first season and it’s appeared to be quite successful, - summarizes Daria – And now when it’s over I want to thank all of the people who supported me during this undoubtedly tough year. It’s time to relax a bit and gain some strength before the next season preparation”.
 
#6 ·
#7 · (Edited)
Really interesting talk, with Darias coach. The first half is about Daria, the second also more general about tennis. Regrettably in slovakian, but google translator helps.

TenisovýSvet.sk - Musím sa jej odda?, je ako moja druhá rodina, tvrdí Pláteník

A few key points.


About this season:
Daria is a sweetheart, but they are working on her agresivity.
In the crucial moments of great tournaments, she did not go for points and did not risk in the right moment.

Future:
Daria needs 2 years, then she finally belongs to the top.

Why 2 years:
She needs to gain experience and must eliminate bad habits (like "fall asleep" and fall into defensieve mode)

Teeneger:
Daria has a boyfriend, and I (Platenik), do not forbid her anything. But I do not have to, she has it in herself.
She loves tennis, loves sports and these things are a priority for her.
 
#8 ·
Thanks for sharing it!
It's also interesting to know Vlado is directly involved in that WTA coach program. A professional like him can only help women's tennis to grow.
 
#10 ·
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#12 ·
More about her win over Belinda

KASATKINA CLEARS BENCIC HURDLE IN ST. PETERSBURG
No.8 seed Daria Kasatkina dispatched burgeoning rival Belinda Bencic in straight sets to advance at the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy.

News | WTA Tennis English
 
#13 ·
Interview with Platenik

Coach Platenik: Fitness coach Molnar and physiotherapist Durecova take the biggest part on Daria's success in Charleston.

I decided to change some things........since November last year we were on a wrong way but from this year Australia tourney I changed it. Last 5-6 weeks it goes the right way - fitness training, professionalism and nourishment.

Coach Platenik: Fitness coach Molnar and physiotherapist Durecova take the biggest part on Daria's success in Charleston | EMPIRE Tennis Academy
 
#17 ·
Another interview in Russian:

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From Google Translator with a lot of mistakes :lol:

- Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Elena Vesnina went to the match "Spartak" - "Zenith". You also love football. Why did not they make a company? - We begin the conversation with Kasatkina.
"To be honest, I really wanted to, but too much work has been done," sighed Daria. - I had to stay at home - I spent two months in America. So I returned for a few days, then I flew off to train in Slovakia, then again to Moscow. That's football and missed.

- Are you glad that Spartak won?

- I, frankly, I like more foreign clubs. For "Barcelona" I'm ill! It's a pity they did not succeed in the second miracle. But it was clear that "Juventus" - not "PSG". They are defending much better. Actually, Italian football is famous for its impassability in defense. Another result was difficult to expect.

- "Barcelona" this Champions League lost. But you took the first title - in Charleston. Emotions after the victory have already subsided?
- Little. Although the first day was overjoyed! I do not even know how to describe it ... It's an amazing feeling! Especially, against the background of how much I worked for this victory. I brought the whole team to the States, I trained hard on the course of Indian Wells and Miami. When this brought the result and I won the final in Charleston - was on the seventh heaven with happiness.

- A party in honor of victory staged?
"It's not like having a party ... The next day you had to fly away, so it was not worth a lot of walking. But, of course, we sat in a good restaurant. Have noted. Discussed my games. And then we went to sleep.


- During the tournament you had to beat a close friend - Daria Gavrilova. You there still podrachilis with a ridiculous handshake after the match.
- Oh, we're always fooling around. So much more fun! And at the same time - they let everybody know that tennis is one thing, and friendship is another.

- That is, no offense after a face-to-face meeting on the part of the loser there?
- Offenses remained in the distant childhood. Far far away. When there were 10 years, of course, they also took offense. But now we have grown, we understand what's what. This is a great sport, tennis is our job. Going out to the court, I cut off all other thoughts and look at Dasha, as a rival. But it's worth ending with the last drawing, as we are again - best friends.

- But it's still not easy to play against it?
- Of course! Pleasant little. Only from such meetings no one is immune. We already crossed into the tournament - in the course of the US Open last year. Then, in the first round, I also won in three sets. Like now, in Charleston.

- Have you had dinner with a friend?
- I had to pay that day, but thank God - the organizers paid. Because as much as she ate - it's simply unforgivable! - Daria laughs. - I did not imagine that a person can get so much into a person.


- And where did the organizers come from? Or you at the restaurant for players have dinner?
- No, in the steakhouse. It's just that the tournament director has an excellent attitude towards tennis players. To all. He introduced us to a restaurant. The city is small, everyone knows each other ...

- Does not it hurt that Gavrilova is in favor of Australia?
- How to say ... If she played for Russia, it would be funnier. But that's how life was. Dasha made her choice, and for a long time. And I respect her choice.

- The green soil that was in Charleston, from red to something other than color is different?
- Of course. It is stiffer than usual, and it is very convenient when going from hard to sand. However, now in principle there is a tendency to the fact that the soil becomes faster. At the "Roland Garros" high speed. In Madrid, as I recall, too. We have to rebuild.

- You do not like this trend?
- I prefer to tinker. To shorten, cut ... But what to do? If the women's tennis moves in the direction of increasing the speed, it is necessary to match this. So I also change my approach to the game.

- The first part of the season you did not ask too much.
- In Indan-Wales and in Miami lost the first matches. And the beginning of the year was not very successful. Although in the past everything was the other way round - I scored a lot of points before moving to the ground. Let's see how it goes next. To be honest - I waited a long time, when, finally, you can stop playing hard. And it's great that the first ground tournament brought me not only a title, but confidence!

- In America, you played on open courts, in "Luzhniki" - hall. In Stuttgart next week - too. And then - again fresh air. Is it difficult to rearrange back and forth?
- In tennis, you get used to it. Hard is the ground, the hall is not a hall ... It is exhausting, of course, because every time new conditions, new features of the game, movements. It's not easy, of course. But we must endure. Here all on an equal footing.


- Coverage in the "Luzhniki", where will the match with Belgium, suit you?

- I like everything here. There are no claims to the organization. But the match is difficult. Yes, the Belgians did not come leaders - Janina Wickmayer, Kirsten Flipkens. However, other girls are also strong. In addition, the hall is great for Alice Mertens and Alison van Whitwank, with their powerful thrusts. So we are setting ourselves up for a serious fight.

- You and Pavlyuchenkova simultaneously won two tournaments - they themselves won in Charleston, Anastasia on the same day - in Monterey. In this case, both of you - from the Samara region. Did you joke with Nastya about this?
- We do not. But it turned out really cool! - laughs Kasatkin. "She's from Samara, I'm from Togliatti." Neighbors! In social networks, fans wrote - it is necessary to arrange a holiday in honor of our victories. And give a few days off. True, like, they were never given ...
 
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#18 ·
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#19 ·
That interview I posted before with Vlado was translated to English

Platenik about Kasatkina: It's a miracle that she is in Paris | EMPIRE Tennis Academy


EMPIRE Trnava Tennis Academy Headcoach Vladimir Pláteník has got several reasons to be happy. Three members of the EMPIRE Trnava Tennis Academy: Ons Jabeur, Elina Svitolina and his trainee Daria Kasatkina reached the third round of Roland Garros. She defeated Czech qualifier Markéta Vondroušová in two sets 7:6(1) and 6:4.

What is your evaluation of Daria's performance today?

"It is a miracle that we play here after an ankle injury in Rome. Daria was nervous from this match because we know about the Vondrousova's qualities. She is young, she has nothing to lose. Darias brother Alex said she is the best qualifier who got to the main draw. She had respect, they know one another from junior tournaments. We follow her results, she has an incredible season. She played lot matches with high percentage win success (51 wins, 7 defeats). It was visible when I watched her. I said to Dasa they have very similar game and that Marketa is now in a stage when I started working with Dasa two years ago. She has a grasp, she moves very well, she cooperates with experienced people like Hřebec and Kubík. She's a huge talent indeed."

Did you consider tactics against Vondrousova according to her game at EMPIRE Slovak Open 2017 in Trnava, where she won the title and Daria even saw some parts of the final?

"I received videos of her matches with Cepede Royg and Alexandrova from EMPIRE Tennis Academy. Thanks very much for that, it was huge help for us. I watched the videos till 1 AM in the morning."

How about her ankle?

"I am really glad that her leg is now ok. She performed well in the match, tactics was set up well, she was nervous at the start of the match only. When leading 4:1 in the second set, she played couple of close balls out. Perhaps she was nervous to finish the match. I'm happy she finally done it. Since February we have moved onto the new system, Daria began to invest more into her career. We travel to the tournaments with fitness coach Maroš Molnár and physiotherapist Jana Ďurecová. She feels no more pain, I told her that both should be rewarded for that after coming back to Slovakia. We are on the right way. If this is going to continue, I will be satisfied even if she moves in the rankings or not. We do the maximum for her."

She will probably play Halep in the next round...

"She could have really received a better draw at this grandslam tournament. But if she wants to continue, that’s the best chance how to improve and to go forward. We will do everything we can to fight with upcoming opponents. I'm a good friend with Guga Kuerten and when he won the title here, he did come here with no sorts of expectations. Before the grandslam he did not play well at all. Dasa is also here in the similar position with injury but it is her favourite grandslam. Only God knows what will happen. Players are very even here. Halep is a favourite, it's going to be tough, but when they once played it was really close."

Is this still her most favorite grandslam?

Yes, both tournament and also surface. She won the junior singles title here in 2014. She feels here well, she believes in her, it's superb."

How will you spend your time untill the next match?

"She's still playing in doubles with a countrywoman Khromacheva who wanted to play at least in doubles main draw. Daria should play in light mode, experiment and enjoy being on the court. Without pressure, she should save her strength, it's just an addition to singles."
 
#20 ·
Daria Kasatkinová: Na Slovensku je nemo?né sa stravova? zdravo | ?port.sk

Translated by goggle translate and corrected by me

Twenty-year-old Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkin was 370th in the world ranking when she began working in October 2014 with Slovakian coach Vladimír Pláteník in the Trnava's Empire Tennis Academy.

Under the leadership of Pláteník, she reached the 24th place, at the moment it is four places lower. With the second best tennis player in the 21 years in the world, we talked mainly about Slovakia.

On Roland Garros you fell in third round after a loss of 0:6, 5:7 with world Nr. 3 Simon Halep. In the second set, you did not use four set points. How do you rate this match?

"The beginning was hard for me. The opponent led 3:0, but it could still be 3:0 for me. Gems were very tight. Halep was better in important moments. In the second, I had a lot of opportunities that I did not use. My performance was ok only in some passages of the second set. From the match, I feel like I have to work on a lot of things. "

Since October 2014 you have been a member of the Empire Tennis Academy. How much time do you spend in Trnava during the year?

"I have been there for the pre-season preparation every month, and I spend the time between the tournaments. This can be about three months in a year. It's a great training base for me. There is also a hotel and courts in one place. I found great conditions there. "

The Slovakian is trained by Vladimir Pláteník. What impact does it have on your career?

"Undoubtedly great. The best results I've achieved since I was with him in the Trnava Academy. We create an excellent team together. I believe that the experience will bring us even better results. I look forward to further years of cooperation. "

Is he a friendly or strict type of coach?

"He was friendly at first, but he's tougher lately. He try to suppress me to my limits. I think that's right. "

You, Tunesian Ons Jabeur and Slovak Rebecca Šramková very well manage dropshots. Is this stroke a Trnava "specialty"?

"No, we knew all this already on arrival to Trnava. I have learned it as a junior, and Ons has already been born with this ability. We have it in our blood. It's just the coincidence that we are all in Trnava. "

What is your relationship with the Slovak members of the club - Šramková or Tereza Mihalíková?

"Very good. We often prepare together and do not even guess at all. On the contrary, we understand us well. "

On the circuit you have already played with Dominika Cibulkova and Anna Karolina Schmiedlová. You defeated both. Try to compare them a little ...

"They are absolutely different types of players. Cibulkova is very intense, with each ball with great force. Anna relies rather on a combination of strokes. Although I won over both of them, I had problems with them. They are very good tennis players. Slovak tennis school is good. This is especially true of women. "

What is the difference between life in your native Russian town of Togliatti and Trnava?

"These cities are incomparable. While 700,000 people live in Togliatti, Trnava is small and quiet. But it's a good place to prepare, because nothing disturbs me and I can only concentrate on work. "

Do you like Slovak food?

"For God's sake, Slovaks have crazy eating habits. (Laughter) You give bread to everybody. National dishes are bryndza halušky. Favorite pirohy or parené buchty (steamed dumplings) are also popular. All heavy meals. They all taste it. In Slovakia, it is impossible to eat healthy. "

This year you won the first title on the WTA circuit at Charleston clay. How did it feel?

"Great, it was one of the best weeks in my life. Before the tournament I had a bad time, but in Charleston I relaxed, I started playing more aggressively and I won it all. I was surprised by myself, so the emotions after the victory were extraordinary. "

This year, you have twice overtaken the world Nr. 1 Angelique Kerber. What is your secret weapon on her?

"Nothing secret. He probably does not like my style. I just played my game. I used rotation and tried to be aggressive. Against her it is big play. "

On the Trnava Academy website, you have a goal in the Career Goal field, that you want to win the Golden Slam and therefore win all four grandslam tournaments and the Olympics in one year. Is it just an incorrect quotation or did you really say it?

"Yes, and I'm still standing behind."

Is not that a great ambition?

"No, why?"

For so far, only Steffi Graf managed this in 1988 ...

"If a man has a little ambition, whay to play tennis at all? I have big goals and I want to achieve them too. "
 
#21 ·
Entrevista a Daria Kasatkina: "De Nadal aprendí a no rendirme"

Translation:

DARIA KASATKINA: "FROM NADAL I'VE LEARNED TO NEVER GIVE UP"

We interview the Russian tennis player, Daria Kasatkina, who talked about her 2017 season and her special relation with Spain.
Just turn 20, Daria Kasatkina is one of the players already settled in the WTA ranking with greater projection. The Russian exploded a couple of seasons ago and 2016 was the year of hers confirmation as a "real deal" . Taking advantage of the fact that she is Tecnifibre girl , we talked to the brand that soon got in touch with her for a very pleasant interview that is very short and leaves you wanting more.

In this 2017 you have achieved your first title as a professional. How was that feeling?

Incredible, of course. The day I won the title was one of the best in my life. I especially enjoyed winning in Charleston because I love playing there. I really like the people who work for that tournament. They achieve a great atmosphere there and feel at home.

You beat Ostapenko in that final on clay. She won Roland Garros few months later. Were you surprised that she succeeded?

Why should I be surprised? She is a great player, very aggressive. I knew she could win against anyone.

Your game seems to fit perfectly on the hard court but your best results have come on clay (title in Charleston and Junior Roland Garros). Is clay your favorite surface?

Yes, completely. I love to play on clay, it has always been my favorite surface.

Do you feel the pressure of the media that point you as one of the tennis players with greater projection?

Not really. I know I have to work at 100% in every point at this level and there is no time for expectations. Also, there are many parts of my game that I think I should improve.

Talking about that, last year you became number 24 in the world. In this 2017 you could not break the Top 20. What do you need to improve on your tennis for it?

I do not really like thinking about ranking. I need to work on my confidence in my shots and in my creativity. That is my main objective.

How would you describe your 2017 season ?

I like it the way it is going. I have played many matches against top players which has made me gain experience. Also, I won my first title. I know it could be better but I like the life of tennis player and I try to enjoy it.

Confess me that dream that you always had and that you would like to achieve in tennis.

My dream is to win the Golden Slam.

Let's talk about women's tennis, do you think the WTA circuit is more competitive than ATP?

You are right. There are many good tennis players on the WTA circuit right now. I think this is a very good thing for people who like to watch women's tennis.

In a previous interview you said that you did not like much to watch women tennis. Do you still prefer to watch men?
Yes much more.
Why?
It is much more dynamic and tactical than the women. she did it again:oh:

You once confessed that your idol was always Rafa Nadal. What do you stand out of it?

His character. The way he fight on each point and his behavior on the court. Also, I really like his style of play.

What did you learn from him?
To never give up.

Spain is very close to your heart, right?

Yes.

Apart from Rafa, I know you are a fan of Barca. How do you see the culé season? Can they overcome the Madrid again?
I think it's going to be very interesting. With the new coach and after Neymar's departure, I hope they spend the money wisely. I have always believed in Barça and with Messi, Iniesta, Sergio Busquets or Luis Suarez ... these guys can get it all.

You're Tecnifibre girl. How would you rate your experience with them?

10 out of 10. All the guys at Tecnifibre work to a very high standard and we're all good friends.

What do you think is the best they have as a company that works in the world of tennis?

The way they treat their players. It's like a family.
 
#22 ·
Daria Kasatkina?s Good Work | Tennishead

Being one of the world’s leading players can be an all-consuming business

But Daria Kasatkina is proving that being successful on the court does not have to mean you have little time for outside interests.

The 20-year-old Russian, who enjoyed her most successful run at a Grand Slam tournament when she reached the fourth round of the recent US Open, manages to find time in her busy schedule to support a voluntary organisation, Dadabro, that was jointly set up by one of her sponsors, the entrepreneur Andrey Ignatyev.

Ignatyev graduated in 1987 from Moscow State University of Aviation, having studied mechanical engineering. Most of his career since then has been spent in tourism. In 1990 he co-founded BSI Global Group. Fast forward to 2012 when Ignatyev co-founded Dadabro, a voluntary organisation, open to all employees of BSI Global Group.

Staff give up their leisure time to visit terminally ill patients, help in orphanages or look after animals in shelters. In 2016 volunteers organised and held more than 800 charity events.

Tennis is one of Ignatyev’s interests, which is how the Kasatkina sponsorship came about. “We are pleased to provide sponsorship not just to the rising star of tennis, but to a person who shares the principles of our volunteer movement,” he said.


In October 2016 Kasatkina visited an orphanage in Ivanteevka near Moscow. She delivered much-needed supplies and spent time with the children.

“Having understood the objectives of Dadabro, I wanted to become a volunteer,” Kasatkina said. "I am now also a member of the Board of Trustees. I like to get involved whenever I can.

“The Dadabro project is aimed at all people, regardless of race, gender or religious beliefs. At its core is the principle of carrying out good deeds for those who most need them.”

Ignatyev said: “Daria embodies the philosophy of BSI Global Group – the desire and the will to win, a positive attitude and confidence in the future.

“Over the 25 years since its inception the BSI brand has grown to a global level, but we never forget our Russian roots and support Russian sport. Daria Kasatkina is part of this.”


Kasatkina, currently ranked No. 31 in the world, has shown the same enthusiasm for her tennis this year as she has for her off-court interests.

The young Russian started her 2017 season well, defeating the then world No 1, Angelique Kerber, in Sydney in the lead-up to the Australian Open.

In April, a month before her 20th birthday, “Dasha” as she is known, won the WTA Premier event in Charleston, beating her fellow teenager, Jelena Ostapenko, in the final.

At the time she told WTA.com: “When I was on the court after the last point I just wanted the moment to stop because it was one of the best moments in my life."

When Kasatkina rolled her ankle during a match in Rome earlier this year, she had doubts that she would be ready to play at the French Open, but after a determined effort to get back on court, she was delighted to be able to compete at her favourite Grand Slam, where she was the junior champion in 2014.

In New York four months later Kasatkina had mixed feelings after achieving her best ever result at a major. On the one hand she was pleased with her performance, but there was also disappointment at being defeated by a qualifier, Kaia Kanepi, when just one victory away from a place in the quarter-finals of the US Open.

“Before the US Open it was a little bit up and down so I suppose it was not a bad result,” Kasatkina said. “I will just try to come back better and try to go on and improve in the next tournament.”

Reflecting on the defeat to Kanepi, she added: “I have a lot of things to learn. One of the things that helped my opponent win was experience. In the important moments she was better than me. So I think it’s everything, to play more matches, more tournaments. I think I will get better and better.”

She believes the New York experience will help her in the remaining weeks of the season. “It gives me a lot of motivation, because now we go to Asia,” she said. “I have three tournaments in a row.”

It will not just be Kasatkina who benefits from that experience, but also all the people the young Russian touches with her off-court activities.

Posted by: tennishead magazine
 
#23 ·
Дарья Касаткина: «Играть «Кубок Федерации» в Братиславе всё равно, что играть дома»
17 октября, 21:45


Насколько тяжело было играть с соотечественницей? Было ли у вас ощущение, что она измотана перелётом? Пользовались ли вы этим?

Нет. Я была готова к тому, что Настя будет бороться за каждый мяч, и я знаю, как ей нравится играть на «ВТБ Кубке Кремля». Она здесь всегда хорошо выступает, каждый год, поэтому я была готова к тому, что как минимум. Неважно, что она только недавно приехала из Гонконга. Честно, мне вообще не важно, соотечественница или нет. Я просто выхожу и стараюсь показывать свою игру.

На этом турнире быстрое покрытие, а вы предпочитаете медленное. Как вам игралось?

Для меня нет особой разницы по сравнению с прошлыми годами. Мне нравится.

Вы сделали пост в Instagram со словами благодарности тренеру перед окончанием сотрудничества. Со стороны казалось, что у вас тёплые отношения, когда он выходил к вам во время тренерских тайм-аутов. Какие цели ставит перед вами сейчас команда? Что-то изменилось в тренировочном процессе?

Тяжело сказать, потому что мы начали работать с моим новым тренером в конце сезона, за пару дней до последнего турнира. Конкретно на «ВТБ Кубок Кремля», крайний турнир сезона, особых ожиданий или целей нет, потому что мы только начали работать. Сезон был непростым, похожим на американские горки, поэтому будем работать, много тренироваться, и посмотрим, что из этого выйдет. Про планы на следующий сезон – подумаю об этом перед следующим сезоном.

Уже известен соперник сборной России в Кубке Федерации – это сборная Словакии, с которой мы играем на выезде. Были ли у вас разговоры с капитаном и готовы ли принимать участие в матче?

Разговоров ещё не было. Будем играть в Братиславе. Для меня это практически, как дома, потому что я тренируюсь в Трнаве практически каждый день езжу в Братиславу. Ощущение такие же, как если бы мы играли в Москве.

Ваша соперница по второму кругу – Катерина Синякова из Чехии. Что можете сказать о предстоящем матче?

Катя, безусловно, хороший игрок. В этом сезоне она выиграла два турнира WTA. Ей нравится играть в Москве, на этих кортах, она уже играла на «Кубке Кремля» полуфинал [в 2014 году]. Кстати, я с ней здесь тренировалась перед «Кубком Кремля», поэтому, думаю, что покрытие ей подходит, поэтому легко точно не будет.
Многие наши теннисистки поменяли тренеров в этом году. Это какое-то веяние или вы советовались друг с другом?

Мы не советовались друг с другом, поменять ли нам тренеров или нет. Просто так сложилось.
 
#24 ·
Дарья Касаткина: «Главное, что я буду играть на центральном корте»

Сегодня, 19:00

Прокомментируйте, пожалуйста, как прошел сегодняшний матч: он был короче предыдущего, можно ли сказать, что он был легче?

Нет, по счету матч был нелегкий, особенно в конце: я не реализовала достаточно много брейк-пойнтов. Но, в конечном счете, я рада, что смогла выиграть этот матч.

Было много спорных моментов, насколько они выбивают из колеи, особенно учитывая то, что на первом корте, где вы сегодня играли, не было hawk-eye?

Часто выбивает. Было бы здорово, чтобы на всех турнирах, хотя бы на двух кортах был hawk-eye, потому что он очень помогает в спорных моментах: всегда влияет человеческий фактор, каждый может сделать ошибку из-за света.

Завтра вы играете первым запуском: насколько это удобно/неудобно, вы сами захотели этого или вам предложили?
Мне просто сказали, что завтра я буду играть первым запуском. Главное для меня то, что я буду играть на центральном корте.

Расскажите про вашу соперницу Сашу Саснович.

Я очень хорошо знаю Сашу, мы общаемся. Последний раз играли в Цинциннати, но играть на открытом корте – совершенно другая история. Саша любит играть в зале, она показывала очень хорошие результаты, так что нужно будет хорошо подготовиться к матчу.

Влияет ли на игроков количество болельщиков на трибунах, особенно – на центральном корте, на котором вы будете играть завтра?

Я играла сегодня на первом корте, и зрителей было довольно много. Мне нравится, что люди приходят, болеют, никому не хочется выступать при пустых трибунах, где нет атмосферы.

Сегодня выбыли из сетки первые трое сеяных. Как вы считаете, это следствие окончания сезона?

У каждого свои причины: конец сезона, очень непросто. Россиянам легче, мы играем дома – это всегда очень помогает. Другим очень тяжело, к тому же здесь специфическое покрытие. Так что неудивительно, что игрокам, которые прошли в первый круг «по баю», игралось намного сложнее, чем тем, кто провёл тут уже пару матчей.

В чем именно специфика покрытия?

Просто играть на деревянном покрытии всегда непривычно, так как обычно мы играем на кортах, которые стелют на поверхность, похожую на асфальте. В женском Туре всего три турнира с похожим покрытием: Москва, Петербург и Линц.

Есть ли разница между игрой в Петербурге и Москве?

Игрокам очень нравится Питер, там особенная атмосфера. В Москве – домашний турнир, все знают «ВТБ Кубок Кремля», едут его смотреть. К тому же очень удобно, что отель совсем рядом с кортом.

Для кого вы играете в первую очередь: для себя или для болельщиков?

Конечно, для себя. Если бы мне не нравился теннис, я бы в него не играла. Мне нравится приходить, тренироваться, я пытаюсь показать свой лучший теннис, и радуюсь, что приходят болельщики, чтобы посмотреть, как я играю. Но в первую – для себя.

Ваш брат Александр купил здесь биографию Марии Шараповой, вместе будете читать?

Он купил себе экземпляр, а я взяла ещё один, уже прочитала начало, где она описывает, как тренируется в Америке.



Расскажите про вашу соперницу Сашу Саснович.

Я очень хорошо знаю Сашу, мы общаемся.
@Spiritof42 :awww: :hearts:
 
#25 ·
Kasatkina on possibly getting the best shot of the year, her matches vs Halep and Aga in China.



Kasatkina: I bought Sharapova's book here, Russian version. I already read first 80 pages.

Kasatkina had to compare Moscow and St Petersburg tournaments.
"I like that hotel in Moscow is so close. You can just walk to the courts"
"Though St Petersburg's hotel is so good, that I am completely fine that I had to use the car to arena".

Kasatkina: courts here are specific, cause it is unusual to play on wood. We more used to play on hard, when it is almost an asphalt.

Kasatkina: I know Sasnovich very well. I won against her outdoor, but indoor will be different story. I know she loves to play indoors.

Q: How do you feel about your progress this year?
Kasatkina: progress? I don't know about that. My ranking is pretty much the same.

Kasatkina: I am not thinking about Zhuhai at all. I don't really care now. If I qualify, then I go there.

Kasatkina: when you have same area for players and spectators it is not good for players. Sometimes very strange people coming to me and asking for something. It is hard just to get through from locker room to restaurant. I could only imagine what Sharapova faced yesterday. I don't know how she survived that.

did you congratulate Mladenovic with top-10?
Kasatkina: What? Mladenovic in top-10? This the way you get in top-10.




Original link: https://www.championat.com/tennis/a...-o-vystuplenii-na-kubke-kremlja.html#comments
 
#26 ·
Dashka coach after her win:

"It's really nice!
When you start a new collaboration, it's always important to get off to a good start. Nothing beats the wins to consolidate a relationship. We've been working together for two weeks and Dasha has already managed to apply some things, especially on the serve. It does not surprise me, but it obviously makes me happy. Dasha has tremendous potential. It's hard to explain, but she transpires something different from the others. "
We had worked together for a few weeks when she won Roland Garros in Junior. Finally, she didn't stay, but every time I met her on the tour with Marina Zanevska, I was taking news from her.
So when she called me I don't hesitate.Even if this will involve a big change at the family level, because she is based in Slovakia, it was an opportunity impossible to refuse. Since then, the first day I saw her, I always believed in her. Dasha has talent, energy and determination. She is only 20 years old and she is already 28th world. And she is still so perfectible. I am convinced that she can become one of the best players in the world."

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/tennis/de...satkina-elle-a-un-potentiel-enorme?id=9741089
 
#27 ·
wow he's very excited to work with her
nice
I feel she has something others don't have too :)
 
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