Kasatkina Ends Title Drought, Wins Eastbourne International

Daria Kasatkina's title drought came to an end on Saturday as she defeated Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 6-4 in the Eastbourne International final. The victory marked Kasatkina's seventh career WTA triumph and her first on grass courts.

Kasatkina, the No. 6 seed, started the match strongly, breaking Fernandez's serve in the opening game. She maintained her lead throughout the first set, breaking Fernandez again in the eighth game to take it 6-3.

The second set was more competitive, with Fernandez battling back from an 0-3 deficit to take a 4-3 lead. However, Kasatkina regained her composure and broke Fernandez twice at love to take the set 6-4 and clinch the title.

The victory was a significant one for Kasatkina, who had lost her previous five championship matches. It also moved her up to No. 8 in the race to the WTA Finals.

Fernandez, the No. 15 seed, was bidding to become the first Canadian woman to win the Eastbourne title since Eugenie Bouchard in 2014. She had defeated No. 7 seed Barbora Krejcikova and defending champion Madison Keys en route to the final.

In the Wimbledon draw, Kasatkina will open her campaign against Zhang Shuai on Monday. Fernandez will face Lucia Bronzetti on Tuesday.

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