Australia’s Daria Kasatkina continued her strong Roland Garros campaign on Thursday, overcoming a determined Susan Bandecchi 7-5 7-6(11) in challenging conditions to advance to the women’s singles third round.
Kasatkina was tested throughout by the fearless Swiss world No.215, eventually prevailing after a gripping 17-minute second-set tiebreak in which she saved seven set points to secure victory on Court 12.
“This is the type of the situation where it's getting really dirty because you normally don't see beautiful shots, and nobody is feeling so free to go for it,” Kasatkina said of the gruelling tiebreak.
“Crazy stuff. Everybody is trying to be really safe … You're just hoping for someone to miss or you're just trying to really push yourself to make the point. But mentally it's really tough.”
The win sets up a blockbuster third-round clash with world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, marking the pair’s 10th career meeting. Sabalenka leads the head-to-head 7-2, including a previous Roland Garros victory in 2020.
“At the end of the day, it's going to be about how I'm gonna just fight for every ball, and let's see,” the 29-year-old said of facing Sabalenka, a four-time Slam champion.
“I only know that she [is] gonna, you know, go out there and hit very hard. And she will be hungry for the win.”
Kasatkina’s recent form reflects the steady confidence she has rebuilt throughout the claycourt season, with the Australian continuing to embrace every opportunity on the biggest stages.
“This is what we were working for. This is very important for me, because this is where I'm finding my confidence, you know, like little by little, building up my feeling on the court again," she explained.
“Saturday it's going to be huge challenge. For sure, doesn't matter who I play in this case.
“I'm really looking forward to it.”
Kasatkina joins Alex de Minaur, who takes on rising Czech star Jakub Mensik, in the third round as the last two Australians standing in the singles draws at Roland Garros.
You can watch Roland Garros on the channels of the Nine Network and Stan Sport.