“Benchic took the initiative from the first point, but Kasatkina is in good shape” – Chesnokov

Former ninth racket in the world Andrey Chesnokov believes that Russian Daria Kasatkina lost in the final of the tournament in Adelaide (Australia) due to the excellent play of the opponent.

Kasatkina lost to Swiss Belinda Bencic on Saturday with a score of 0:6, 2:6. At the start of the Australian Open, the Russian, ranked eighth in the world rankings, will meet her compatriot Varvara Gracheva.

– Bencic played amazing. Score 6:0, 6:2 – what can I say? The Swiss tennis player took the initiative and pressed from the first point. At the same time, she played absolutely neatly, she did not make any mistakes. In Kasatkina, the ball flew over the pitch the whole time – one mistake, two mistakes… The way Bencic won the match point is a classic!

However, in this tournament Kasatkina defeated two monsters – Kreychikova and Kvitova. This suggests that she is in good shape. Yes, a devastating score, but I can’t say there was no game.

Once I played a match and lost 1:6, 2:6. I came out after the game and said, “Firs-sticks, ugly, in one gate!” And they answer me: “Listen, the match was incredible! Every game is more or less, but in the end I lost… If one or two goals had been in my favor, maybe the score would have been different there. And in the case of Kasatkina there is also such a nuance, although, I repeat, Bencic played very well.

I think the Russian woman will approach the Australian Open in a normal state. First, the final was not very long, everything was decided quickly. Second, there will be time to prepare. Although it will not be easy with Gracheva in the first round, she will not soften, the pressure will start from the first blow. Let’s see how Kasatkina will be ready,” Chesnokov told .