Kasatkina races into second week

She told reporters in Paris that the desire to bring success for her new country adds a little pressure, but has also emboldened her for another deep run here.

With a head-to-head record locked at 3-3 with No.10 seed Paula Badosa, this was always going to be a high-octane, high-quality affair.

Story of the match

Badosa’s backhand drive volley on the back foot was the highlight of a seven-minute opening hold. The Spaniard puffed her cheeks in relief, knowing that Kasatkina was already in the groove.

So it proved. Kasatkina capped an energy-zapping 24-shot rally with a hooked forehand, which had Badosa so far wide she was leaning on the advertising hoardings.

That brilliance sent Kasatkina a break and 2-1 up and it got better for the Roland-Garros 2022 semi-finalist. A backhand approach landed inches from the baseline prior to a crisp volley putaway.

The 28-year-old was on the charge and brimming with all-court craft, with eight games in a row falling in her favour.

Down 2-0 in the second set and Badosa’s never-back-down battling approach came to the fore. Seven break opportunities later and she was roaring to her camp with a comeback ignited.

Kasatkina was still bringing the flair, scooping a backhand from below net height into the corner of the court. Badosa could only stretch out her arms in frustration at the puzzle she was trying to solve.

At 6-5 it was Kasatkina’s chance to conjure up a green and golden game to book a Last 16 clash with Mirra Andreeva.

Key stats

Australian duo Kasatkina and Alexei Popyrin have both reached the fourth round, the first time in women’s and men’s singles at Roland-Garros since Nicole Bradtke and Pat Cash in 1988.

Kasatkina, who compiled a 2-4 clay court record prior to Paris, secured her first Top 10 triumph of the season, having fallen to Emma Navarro at the Australian Open and Jessica Pegula in Doha.

On court on Saturday, she provided the platform for a mesmerising performance by landing 80 per cent of first serves, which conjured up three holds to love.

Kasatkina's assessment

On facing Badosa: “She’s such a good player, has been posting very good results. I was ready for a difficult match. I knew if she got a chance, she would take it and that’s what happened in the second set. This is where things got a little tight, but I’m really proud of myself how I handled this pressure."

Reflecting on her previous success in Paris: “The past couple of weeks, let’s say, weren’t amazing. I’m really happy that I’m back and that I’m back playing well at this special tournament for me. I’m feeling much better, playing here is such an honour for me. The crowds are very powerful, very energetic. I’m realy happy every time I step on the court at Roland-Garros.

"I won here as a junior (2014). When this happens, it just stays forever in you, and automatically the place become special.

"I think it's my tenth professional Roland-Garros, so it's been a history. Every time I'm coming here, I feel comfortable. I know every corner of the stadium and stuff. I think it's important.

"On a spiritual level, this place, it's been always nice to me."

On taking on friend Andreeva next: "I have to run a lot. It's going to be long rallies. Mirra, she's not giving anything for free. To get every point, I'll have to die on court. I'm ready for that. This is what I'm working for."