Korea Open 2024: Daria Kasatkina vs Hailey Baptiste preview, head-to-head, prediction, and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (1) Daria Kasatkina vs Hailey Baptiste
Date: September 19, 2024
Tournament: Korea Open 2024
Round: Second Round (Round of 16)
Venue: Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Center in Seoul, South Korea
Category: WTA 500
Surface: Hardcourt
Prize Money: $922,573
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | India - Tennis Channel | Canada - DAZN
Daria Kasatkina vs Hailey Baptiste preview
Top seed Daria Kasatkina will take on Hailey Baptiste in the second round of the Korea Open on Thursday (September 19).
Kasatkina has had a remarkable season so far by garnering 30 wins from 48 matches, including a title-winning run in the Eastbourne International. She also secured runner-up finishes in Adelaide, Abu Dhabi, and Charleston, where she lost to Jelena Ostapenko, Elena Rybakina, and Danielle Collins respectively in straight sets.
The Russian will enter Seoul on the back of a second round exit in New York. She outclassed Jaqueline Cristian in the first round at the US Open but couldn't make her mark against Peyton Stearns. She will be eager to get back to winning ways in the Korea Open and has received a first round bye as the top seed at the event.
Hailey Baptiste, meanwhile, has played most of her tennis on the ITF circuit this year. She reached the second round of the BNP Paribas Open and the 2024 French Open, losing to eventual finalist Jasmine Paolini in the latter.
The American entered Seoul on the back of early exits in New York and Guadalajara. She started her campaign by outsmarting Sloane Stephens 7-6(4), 6-2 in the first round. The youngster is making her first appearance in the Korea Open this year.
Daria Kasatkina vs Hailey Baptiste head-to-head
The head-to-head between Kasatkina and Baptise is locked at 0-0.
Daria Kasatkina vs Hailey Baptiste odds
Odds will be updated when available.
Daria Kasatkina vs Hailey Baptiste prediction
Despite a solid start to the season, Daria Kasatkina has failed to impress her critics on the tour. She's had an ordinary run at the Majors and also withdrew from the Summer Olympics in Paris. The 27-year-old will be keen to end the season on a strong note with an impressive performance in Seoul.
Baptise, on the contrary, has been working towards finding her feet on the main tour. The American came close to qualifying for the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open but fell short in the final qualification round. She will be determined to make the most of her opportunity against Kasatkina and showcase her skills on the main tour.
Considering their experience at the highest level and record on hardcourts, Kasatkina will be the clear favorite to pass this test. She may need to raise her level against a tricky opponent like Baptiste but should be able to advance to the quarterfinals.
Pick: Kasatkina to win in straight sets.