VIDEO: Daria Kasatkina when hearing she has to play Sabalenka again

Former World No.8 Daria Kasatkina was left speechless after learning the identity of her opponent in the next round at the 2024 Berlin Ladies Open, prompting her to give a rather unexpected response.

The Russian dynamo defeated Ukrainian rival Marta Kostyuk in her opening round clash, requiring three sets to advance to the round of 16. Although Kostyuk cruised through the first set, Kasatkina rallied back to win the second set tiebreak, before escaping with a 4-6 7-6(6) 6-3 victory.

The World No.14 seemed pleased with her victory, and was in great spirits during the post-match interview. However, her joy turned to shock and possibly worry, when she was informed her next opponent would be none other than reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka.

"Your next opponent will be Sabalenka," said the interviewer.

"S**t," responded Kasatkina with a nervous laugh.

The Russian has trails Sabalenka 2-6 in head to head meetings, having lost her last three matches against the Belarusian. Sabalenka, on her part, will be playing in her first grass court match of the season, after losing to Mirra Andreeva at the Roland Garros quarterfinals.