In Moscow, Alexei Selivanenko, Vice-President of the Russian Tennis Federation and a member of the ITF Board, commented on the recent run of matches by Russian star Daria Kasatkina. The message was clear: Kasatkina has shown a mix of sharp wins and tough losses this season, a pattern that invites examination by coaches and analysts alike, especially within her own team. Selivanenko noted that a single setback often triggers a cascade of issues, a topic that deserves careful attention from specialists who work closely with her.
Kasatkina’s latest result came at Indian Wells, where she was defeated by fellow Russian Varvara Gracheva in straight sets, 6:4, 6:4, in the third round. The match reflected a continuation of the inconsistency she has displayed across tournaments this year, with moments of brilliance tempered by stretches of difficult play that have hampered her progress in big events.
Earlier in February, at the Dubai Championships, Kasatkina had already faced a setback, losing to Czech player Barbora Krejcikova. Before that, she had fallen to Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia, underscoring a run of tough matches against high-caliber opponents on the tour this season.
From a rankings perspective, Kasatkina remains the highest-ranked Russian on the WTA list, sitting in 8th place. The standings continue to be led by Iga Swiatek of Poland, with Arina Sobolenko of Belarus occupying second, and Jessica Pegula of the United States rounding out the top three. These positions reflect the current landscape of women’s tennis and the competition Kasatkina faces to reclaim her best form.
There have been other developments tied to Kasatkina and the broader tennis community recently. In related news, the WTA acknowledged remarks by a Ukrainian player about a panic attack she experienced in reaction to Russian fans during a recent match—a reminder of the emotional and psychological pressures athletes confront on tour. The moment highlighted the ongoing sensitivity and complexity surrounding fan interactions, national identity, and sportsmanship at the highest levels of competition. As Kasatkina and her team assess the path forward, the emphasis remains on steadiness, confidence-building, and tactical adjustments that could help restore consistency in her results across the season.