KASATKINA BOWS OUT TO STAR TEENAGER, AS EBDEN, PEERS, AND EMERSON JONES PROGRESS IN PARIS

Matt Ebden and John Peers in third round action, The First Serve

Our newest Australian became our last singles hope at Roland Garros in 2025, but Daria Kasatkina has exited the event on Monday in Paris, after a 3-6 5-7 defeat to Mirra Andreeva.

Kasatkina, who previously reached the semifinals in 2022, has enjoyed her best Grand Slam results at Roland Garros but was challenged by the ball-striking and defensive prowess of Andreeva.

"It was a very tough match...when you play a top player like Mirra, everything comes down to details," she said.

From the outset, it was clear that the 18-year-old was playing on her terms, using her backhand down-the-line and forehand slice effectively to dictate points.

However, the Aussie played a tactical game of her own, using depth in an attempt to disrupt the clean-hitting teen, and it gave her chances, particularly with a 5-3 lead in the second set.

"I had quite a few chances in the second set. Those few important points, we were battling hard. So, that happens. It’s a game," Kasatkina shared.

By entering the code TFS2025, you will receive 15% off the RRP on all non-sale items when you shop online at www.racquetworld.com.au

The rallies would have been familiar territory for Andreeva and Kasatkina who are good friends off the court and hit together at almost every tournament; something the Aussie jokingly suggested may need to stop.

“Maybe we know each other too good. Maybe we have to take a break in practicing (laughing).

But it is something that tennis players get used to more than other athletes, constantly training with and around their fellow competitors.

"Honestly, this is how our circuit is working, everyone knows each other. This is something interesting about tennis, and it's not easy," she revealed.

But ultimately, the week has been a positive one for the 28-year-old, arriving in Paris in a form slump and rediscovering her level to reach the fourth round.

“This week, I felt back on track. In all four matches I played, I felt as usual. Also, I was showing pretty good tennis. So, obviously it’s a super positive sign," Kasatkina said.

Dasha also revealed that representing her new country at a Grand Slam for the first time has been a special experience.

“I felt super good, honestly, to step on the court as an Australian player. Also, to feel the support from the stands…I’m getting a lot of support from the Australians who are so happy to welcome me, and they’re happy for me," she said.

AUSSIE WINNERS ON MONDAY

Matt Ebden and John Peers are the only Aussies left standing in doubles action, scoring a big straight sets win to progress to the quarterfinals.

Back on the courts where they won Olympic gold last year, the Aussie duo took down fourth-seeded Italians Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 6-2 7-6(6).

Meanwhile, in junior competition, top seed Emerson Jones began her girls' singles campaign with a 6-1 1-6 6-2 victory over American Capucine Jauffret.

It's Jones' third appearance at Roland Garros, after reaching round three in 2023 and bowing out in the first round last year.

In the boys' singles, Aussie Ty Host went down 3-6 6-7 to sixth seed Benjamin Willwerth.

AATC – Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches, Providing Quality Coach Education Globally. Led by Industry Leaders and Tennis Business Owners who understand your journey. 🌏 Learn Locally, Coach Globally 🚀 Start Your Coaching Journey Today. Enrol Now at www.aatc.tennis