In a tense second-round clash at the US Open on September 1, Daria Kasatkina of Russia faced American Sofia Kenin. The match swung back and forth, with Kasatkina fighting from behind to capture a 2:6, 6:4, 6:4 victory after a two-hour and 25-minute battle on the court. Kasatkina showed grit, delivering three aces and converting seven of nine opportunities to break Kenin, while paying ten double faults that briefly kept Kenin in the contest. The win underscored Kasatkina’s ability to reverse momentum, weather pressure, and close out key points in a Grand Slam setting.
As the tournament moves into the third round, Kasatkina is slated to meet the winner of the Gretje Minnen versus Sachia Vickery match. That encounter, also scheduled for September 1, will determine Kasatkina’s next opponent as she presses on through the draw. The anticipated matchups point to a diverse set of tactical challenges, with Minnen and Vickery bringing contrasting styles that will require Kasatkina to adapt her approach and tempo to find an effective rhythm on the court.
Beyond Kasatkina, a pair of fellow Russians remain active in the US Open field. Lyudmila Samsonova is set to duel with American Madison Keys on September 2, a clash expected to feature aggressive pace and power from both competitors. Ekaterina Alexandrova continues her campaign, facing the Czech standout Marketa Vondrousova in a match that could hinge on steady footing, disciplined ball placement, and the ability to capitalize on pivotal moments when presented. These matchups illustrate the depth and variety within Russian women’s tennis at this stage of the event and highlight the breadth of strategic options available to players in a major draw.
Kasatkina sits at No. 14 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association rankings, marking her as the highest-ranked Russian in the standings at this juncture of the season. The global leaderboard is led by Iga Swiatek of Poland, who holds the top spot, with Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Jessica Pegula of the United States also among the leaders. The field remains fiercely competitive, with players from many nations pursuing every possible ranking point and Grand Slam impact. Kasatkina’s current placement reflects consistent form and the ability to perform at peak moments when the spotlight shines brightest.
As the US Open unfolds, observers note Kasatkina’s tactical versatility, her capacity to modulate intensity across sets, and her shot-making variety that keeps opponents guessing. Her recent performance against Kenin reinforces the narrative of a player who can endure difficult stretches, seize late opportunities, and deliver decisive breaks at critical moments. This combination of resilience, precision, and aggression positions Kasatkina as a meaningful threat as the tournament progresses, with the potential for further breakthroughs against a field of skilled rivals. The ongoing competition in New York continues to shape the storylines for Russian players and their pursuit of advancing rounds, while drawing North American audiences into a narrative of high-level tennis and national pride on the grand stage.