The grass season is well and truly underway and the best names in the world are getting ready yet again to establish their supremacy in the tennis world. Coming into the WTA Berlin Championship, the players are looking dedicated to challenge for the title and do whatever it takes to take the glory home. One among those stars is Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian beauty, after a good season on clay, will be looking to carry forward the momentum and make the most of her time in Berlin.

However, her road to the top won’t be easy at all. Standing her way in the round of 16 will be the Russian beauty Daria Kasatkina. With the stage set for an epic match, who among the two will make their way in the next round?

Aryna Sabalenka vs Daria Kasatkina: Preview

Currently ranked no. 3 in the world, Aryna Sabalenka is set to start her campaign in Berlin after a tough loss to Andreeva in the Paris quarterfinals. With a 29-8 win-loss record this year, she will play her first grass-court match of the season. Her best performance in 2024 was winning the Australian Open, defeating Qinwen Zheng. Aryna Sabalenka’s career record stands at 347-162, with a solid 33-18 on grass. This will be her first grass match of the year.

On the other hand, her opponent, Daria Kasatkina advanced to the 2nd round in Berlin after a comeback win over Marta Kostyuk. She overcame a 1-set deficit to win 4-6 7-6(6) 6-3, scoring 123 points to Kostyuk’s 119. Kasatkina’s aggressive play earned her 51 winners.

She served 4 aces and made 8 double faults, losing her serve 5 times but saving 9 break points. Kasatkina landed 64% of her first serves, winning 61% of those points and 50% on her second serve. She broke Kostyuk 5 times, converting 42% of her break points.

Sabalenka vs Kasatkina: Head-to-head

When it comes to the head-to-head statistics between the two players, they both have faced each other multiple times throughout the course of their careers. Apparently, this meeting in Berlin will be the 9th time when the two giants lock horns. However, out of all the meetings that they have had, Aryna Sabalenka has proved to be the dominant force. Out of the 8 matches played so far, she has managed to win 6 of them while Daria Kasatkina managed just 2 victories.

Their last meeting came back at the Brisbane Open where Aryna Sabalenka managed to come out on top with a straight-set win in the quarter-finals. The final scoreline of the match ended 6-1, 6-4 in favor of Sabalenka.

Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka could keep her momentum going and grab the win

The match will be a pure joy to watch. With two of the title heavyweights challenging for the title, it will be pure fun to see who amongst the two will come out on top. But, as things stand, Aryna Sabalenka looks as the right contender to lay her hands on the title glory. The head-to-head experience will prove to be crucial for her in the match. Also, a win in their last head-to-head encounter will give her confidence to come into the match and hunt for the win.

But, Kasatkina, who has already won a match here in Berlin will be used to the climate conditions and how the court works and use it to her own advantage. With the stage set for a thriller, who are you guys backing out? Do let us know in the comments below!