Google News Daria Kasatkina rips TV network for airing Alexander Zverev instead of Elena Rybakina
by DZEVAD MESIC
Daria Kasatkina wasn't happy with an Australian TV network choosing to broadcast the Alexander Zverev and Dominik Koepfer match instead of showing live the Elena Rybakina and Karolina Pliskova match, which was going live on Rod Laver Arena.
On Tuesday, world No. 3 Rybakina and former world No. 1 Pliskova kicked off the night session at Rod Laver Arena. At the same time, Zverev and Koepfer started the night session at Margaret Court Arena.
Kasatkina, who defeated Peyton Stearns earlier in the day, seemingly turned on the TV in her hotel room hoping to watch the Rybakina and Pliskova match. But when Kasatkina saw that the Zverev and Koepfer match was being broadcast, she was left disappointed.
On Monday, it was reported in Germany that Zverv would stand trial on May 31st after being accused by his ex-girlfriend of physical abuse. Although Kasatkina didn't mention Zverev by name, it was clear that she stumbled upon his and Koepfer's match when she turned on her TV.
"No women’s tennis shown on TV. They are playing on Rod Laver, prime time and for what. don’t wanna say who they actually showing now," Kasatkina wrote on X.
No women’s tennis shown on TV. They are playing on Rod Laver, prime time and for what😠don’t wanna say who they actually showing now🙄
— Daria Kasatkina (@DKasatkina) January 16, 2024
Kasatkina not happy Zverev's match was picked ahead of Rybakina's
In another X post, Kasatkina made it perfectly clear she was hoping to enjoy Rybakina's tennis on Tuesday night: "Thanks but I was so excited to watch some of Lena’s winners on tv, in my bed."
Thanks but I was so excited to watch some of Lena’s winners on tv, in my bedðŸ˜
— Daria Kasatkina (@DKasatkina) January 16, 2024
Meanwhile, Kasatkina survived a three-setter in her opener at Melbourne Park. Kasatkina, seeded at No. 14, was made to work hard by 48th-ranked Stearns before sealing a 6-2 3-6 6-2 win.
In the Australian Open second round, Kasatkina will be facing another American, Sloane Stephens. When Kasatkina and Stephens meet at Melbourne Park, it is going to be their fifth meeting.
Going into the match, Stephens owns a 3-1 head-to-head against Kasatkina. However, it should be mentioned that Kasatkina won their hard-court meeting in 2019 Indian Wells, while Stephens won their three clay-court meetings.