Daria Kasatkina, the top seed at the Hana Bank Korea Open, is making the most of her first visit to South Korea, both on and off the court.
Kasatkina, who received a first-round bye and a favorable draw due to the withdrawals of Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and Elena Rybakina, had plenty of time to explore Seoul before her tournament debut on Thursday. She took advantage of the opportunity to visit an adventure park, a Korean convenience store, and a skincare shop.
“I had a lot of time before my first match to enjoy some indoor activities in Seoul,” Kasatkina said after her 6-4, 6-2 victory over American Hailey Baptiste. “I’m having a good time here!”
Kasatkina and her girlfriend, former Olympic figure skater Natalia Zabiiako, also visited an ice rink.
On the court, Kasatkina has been in impressive form, not dropping a set in her first two matches. She will face 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu in the quarterfinals, a player who is also enjoying her time in Seoul.
“Seoul is one of my favorite cities,” Raducanu said. “I think these courts suit her [Kasatkina] because they bounce quite a bit. But for me, every time I get exposure to that top level of opponent, it’s invaluable.”
The quarterfinal clash between Kasatkina and Raducanu promises to be a fascinating encounter. Kasatkina will be looking to reach the semifinals for the first time since Wimbledon, while Raducanu will be aiming to make the last four in Seoul for the second time in three years.
