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Daria Kasatkina was overjoyed as she clinched her maiden grasscourt title at the 2024 Rothesay International in Eastbourne on Saturday. After her victory, the Russian rushed toward her team and her girlfriend, Natalia Zabiiako, to celebrate.
Kasatkina made her second straight final in Eastbourne this season. In 2023, she came up short against Madison Keys. The Russian, though, aced the final test this time, beating 2021 US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 6-4.
With that, Daria Kasatkina won her seventh tour-level title and a first on grass. She has won five hardcourt titles and one claycourt titles in her career.
It's also worth noting that the title is the former World No. 8's first in almost two years; her previous one came at the Championnats de Granby in August 2022. She has featured in five other finals since then, falling short every time. She was thus expectedly thrilled about her triumph.
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Moments after Fernandez dragged a backhand long on championship point, Kasatkina ran toward her girlfriend, Natalia Zabiiako, who had cheered her on from the stands throughout the campaign. The couple shared a loving embrace, following which the champion acknowledged her coaching team.
Watch the video here:
"My better half, Natasha" – Daria Kasatkina addresses girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako and team after Eastbourne win
En route the title, Daria Kasatkina had come out on top against tough opponents like 2024 French Open finalist Jasmine Paolini, 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, Yuan Yue and Wang Xinyu.
The 27-year-old thanked her team and her girlfriend, Natalia Zabiiako, for being there by her side through the highs and lows.
"Of course, thanks to my team. Guys, it’s been a long road to the title but I’m really proud of (us). I’m really proud for the work we put in and the outcome. Thank you so much for being next to me, doesn’t matter how bad it is, how good it is," she said during her winner's speech.
"Thank you very much for being with me. Thanks to my coach, Flavio; thanks to my brother and fitness coach Alex and thanks to my better half, Natasha. Thank you so much," she added.
Zabiiako, too, shared her delight on social media. The Olympic pair skater has been Kasatkina’s biggest cheerleader since they made their relationship public in mid-2022.
"Champ," she wrote on Instagram.
Kasatkina will now shift her focus to the upcoming Wimbledon Championships. Her best result there is a quarterfinal appearance in 2018. She will hope to bank on her momentum as she takes on Zhang Shuai in the first round on Monday, July 1.
