Daria Kasatkina "ready" to take on Ons Jabeur and her array of drop shots in Charleston Open SF

Daria Kasatkina is ready to counter Ons Jabeur's array of drop shots ahead of their upcoming semifinal at the 2023 Charleston Open, while not having great memories of their previous clash in Rome last year.

Kasatkina overcame a stiff challenge from Madison Keys to prevail 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-2 and will take on the Tunisian, whom she lost to despite being on match point during the semifinals of the 2022 Italian Open.

The Russian admitted that it would be tough to get past a "great" opponent who was "back." Kasatkina, who was serving for the match back in Rome, failed to finish off the contest before going on to lose the next couple of points, thus allowing her rival to advance to the finals.

"She (Ons Jabeur) is back. It was tough, our last match, I have not very good memories of our last match which was on clay actually in Rome. Losing from match point. I will never forget that inside-out shot, touching the line like that on my match point," she told the Tennis Channel.

Despite the intense rivalry, the 2018 Wimbledon quarterfinalist disclosed that it was always nice to play big matches against the much-loved Jabeur.

“Everyone knows that Ons is great, everyone loves Ons. Of course, on the court we are opponents, but it’s always nice to share these moments -like playing semifinals at big tournaments with each other,” she added.

Strategically, Daria Kasatkina had a message for Jabeur, letting her opponent know that she was ready for her drop shots.

"Ons, I know you are going to make a lot of drop (shots) and I am ready for it," Kasatkina declared with a smile on court.

Task cut out for Daria Kasatkina in big semifinal against Ons Jabeur

Despite being on match point, Kasatkina lost to Jabuer in Rome

While the 25-year-old may not have great memories of her previous clash against Ons Jabeur, the Arab star has won the last four encounters that the two have been involved in.

Prior to getting past Kasatkina in Rome, the current World No. 5 had also prevailed in Stuttgart, where she won 6-3, 6-3. With victories in the Rogers Cup and the Birmingham Classic in 2021, Jabeur has enjoyed the upper hand in recent times.

Daria Kasatkina last defeated Jabuer back in 2018 at the Kremlin Cup in Moscow after winning their first-ever match at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

The 28-year-old player made it to the semifinals in Charleston after Anna Kalinskaya was forced to retire midway through the second set with Jabeur leading 6-0, 4-1.

Ons Jabeur, who was the runner-up back in 2022, is seeded second in Charleston, while her semifinal opponent is seeded third.