"Highest career ranking ever, 3rd in race" - Kasatkina looks to accomplishments after winning in San Jose

Daria Kasatkina defeated native Shelby Rogers to lift her 5th career trophy in San Jose and it was an important one.

Kasaatkina returned to her past form this year playing really strong tennis across all surfaces. The Russian was in the top 10 back in 2019 and she'll make her return to it today after winning the WTA 500 event in Silicon Valley. Speaking for the WTA Champions Corner after the match she admitted it's a big one for her:

"(Means) A lot because this title brings me many things. It's the fifth title -- that's a nice number. My highest ranking ever. I'm third in the Race. We don't win titles every day. It's always special to win a title, especially at a 500. Especially with the list of the players that played here and you become the best this week of all of them. I'm really glad I'm the one who holds the trophy this week."

To get the win, Kasatkina had to play another 3-set match and it was the 3rd time in the week. Some were more impressive than others but she doesn't panic when things happen that way:

"I've been playing many, many three-set matches, maybe more than two-set matches. So I'm used to it, physically and mentally. Sometimes I'm just getting to the level that I need during the match. I have to change it and start from the beginning to save some energy for future matches, but for the moment it's like this."

The goal for Kasatkina is to finish in the top 8 of the race and play at the WTA Finals. She's currently 3rd so she's doing a very good job so far:

"The Race is more important than the actual ranking. To be in the competition for the last eight in August, this is a big thing. I think I had quite a regular season, regular results. I didn't have any breakdowns, maybe just a few. This is the most important. As I said, the golden ticket goes to the ones who are the most consistent."