Marta Kostyuk has snapped a six-match losing streak to set up a third-round clash with Daria Kasatkina at the Montreal tournament. The Ukrainian world number 28 overcame Marketa Vondrousova 2:6, 6:3, 6:2 in a comeback victory that showcased her fighting spirit.
The win must feel like a breath of fresh air for Kostyuk, who hadn't tasted victory since May. At just 23 years old, the Ukrainian has demonstrated that when she's in form, she can challenge any opponent on tour. Her hard court record this season now stands at 11-9.
Daria Kasatkina, who now represents Australia after previously competing as a neutral athlete, secured her place in the third round with a convincing 6:1, 6:4 victory over Anna Blinkova. The 28-year-old has experienced mixed results this season with a perfectly balanced 17-17 win-loss record.
Interestingly, Kasatkina began the year ranked in the top 10 but has since dropped to 19th following inconsistent performances. Her hard court record this season currently sits at 10-8.
The head-to-head history between these competitors adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup. They've faced each other seven times previously, with Kasatkina holding a slight 4-3 advantage. However, their most recent encounter in Rome earlier this year saw Kostyuk claim a decisive 6:4, 6:2 victory.
Both players bring similar credentials to the court - they're separated by just nine ranking positions and have comparable hard court records this season. The bookmakers give Kostyuk a slight edge, but this looks to be a closely contested battle between two top-30 players.
Can Kostyuk build momentum after breaking her losing streak? Or will Kasatkina's experience prove decisive in what promises to be a tight contest?
