Kasatkina admits to being done in by nerves during semi-final loss to Swiatek

Daria Kasatkina, Rome 2020

June 2, 2022

There is no shame in losing to Iga Swiatek. After all, the 21-year-old Pole is ranked No 1 in the world and she is riding a 34-match winning streak.

Still, Daria Kasatkina wishes she could have fared better in the French Open semi-finals on Thursday afternoon. The No 20 seed managed to take only three games from Swiatek and her 6-2, 6-1 loss lasted only one hour and four minutes.

Afterward, Kasatkina was asked if her opponent was any different from when they faced each other earlier this season in Doha (Swiatek won 6-3, 6-0).

I don’t know how to describe exactly the emotions and what you feel inside yourself. But (it) was not usual.
Daria Kasatkina

“Well, to be honest, (she) was not that different,” Kasatkina commented. “She didn’t do anything which I was not ready for.

“The thing is I was too emotional today. I couldn’t handle the nerves the way I was able to do the previous matches. I think that’s normal. Yeah, also, during the match she was playing better and better. All together [it brings] the match to this point.

“[My mind] was going on and off, on and off. I mean, before the match I was actually feeling not bad, but as soon as I stepped on the court I don’t know how to describe exactly the emotions and what you feel inside yourself. But (it) was not usual. But it’s okay. I mean, I have to get used to it and try to find the ways how to manage these kind of nerves, so I’m happy that I experienced this one. Definitely I will try to do better next time.”

Nonetheless, it was a great tournament for the 25-year-old — one that marked her first-ever slam semi-final appearance.

“It’s been one of my best tournaments in my life,” she assured. “First time I reach a semifinal [of] a Grand Slam; it’s best result in a Grand Slam for me. Despite the loss today, I’m very happy with the level and with everything that was going on these two weeks.”