"If you find out something on how to turn off your head without using alcohol you tell me": Kasatkina jokes about overwhelming nature of US Open

Daria Kasatkina joked after her triumph at the US Open about the difficulty of disconnecting from tennis during a Grand Slam.

Former world No. 8 didn't hide her joy after winning a thrilling match against local tennis star Sofia Kenin. With the support of the crowd, the former Australian Open champion took the first set, but Kasatkina fought back and won the next two sets to advance to the third round with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.

During the on-court interview, the Russian player discussed her expectations at Flushing Meadows. Kasatkina has a career record of just 50% at the US Open and has reached the fourth round only once (in 2017). Moreover, in her last four appearances, she has been eliminated in the first round three times.

“Honestly, I used to have big expectations here. But then I checked my record and I realized that maybe I should slow down,” the former World No. 8 said, laughing.

“I wish I knew what to do to forget about tennis. Because it’s always just spinning around here in the head – it’s like… sometimes I’m getting sick from it,” she said.

Kasatkina also talked about the excitement that comes with competing in a Grand Slam and how demanding it can be for the players.

“Especially when you are in the Slam, when you are trying hard to just turn off your head and think about something else, it’s just everywhere in the city. You go for a walk, and everywhere is the US Open advertising. It’s impossible to forget,” Kasatkina said.

“Then you are coming back to your room, you turn on the TV and tennis there. Everyone is talking about it,” world No. 14 added.

“If you’ll find out something on how to turn off your head without using alcohol for example, you tell me, okay?” Kasatkina joked.

The Russian will face the world No. 97 Greet Minnen in the third round, who has already eliminated two local players: Venus Williams and Sachia Vickery, marking the second time she has reached the third round of a Grand Slam.