Kasatkina ends Venus Williams final dream

Russia’s 20 year-year old Daria Kasatkina, who had beaten several Grand Slam champions, added 37 year old Venus Williams to her victims list at Indian Wells early today.

She denied Venus her dream to reach the finals of the Indian Wells tournament, beating her 6-4 4-6 7-5. The American last played the final in 2001.

For the Russian, the victory was her second over the legendary American player, who first played at Indian Wells in 1997, a year before Kasatkina was born.

It was also a revenge of sort as Williams had beaten her in Wimbledon in 2017.

The young Russian has now claimed four consecutive victories over current Top 20 players, all of whom are Grand Slam champions. Kasatkina ousted No.13 seed Sloane Stephens, No.2 seed Caroline Wozniacki, and No.10 seed Angelique Kerber before her massive semifinal victory over Williams.

(Read match report at WTA Tennis)

Before running headlong into the Russian juggernaut it had been smooth sailing for Williams into the semis as she did it without having to play someone ranked in the top 20.

In the third round she defeated her sister Serena, who had a protected ranking of 22 after she took 14 months off to have a baby.

Kasatkina is now 2-1 overall against Williams having beaten her the first time they play in Auckland in 2016.

“I really just make too many errors. That’s pretty much all — I mean, I have to stop making that many errors against her,” Venus said.

“Anyone who gets used to losses should give up on life,” Williams said.

Kasatkina continues her Cinderella run through the California desert tournament as she goes for her second WTA title.

She highlighted 2017 by claiming her first crown in Charleston, beating fellow teenager Jelena Ostapenko in the final.