Singles Preview: Collins, Kasatkina set for clash of styles in Charleston Open final

It all comes down to this.

With six players left across singles & doubles and two trophies to win, fans have plenty of storylines to look forward to on Finals Sunday at the 2024 Credit One Charleston Open.

In singles – will Danielle Collins keep her win streak alive and pick up her second title in as many weeks? Or will 2017 champ Daria Kasatkina’s love affair with the green clay of the Credit One Stadium continue as she looks to improve her record at the event to 19-3?

Credit One Stadium, Credit One Charleston Open
2024 Credit One Charleston Open Day 8 at Credit One Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Charleston, South Carolina.

MORE: Updated draws | Sunday order of play

2:30 p.m. ET – [4] Daria Kastakina vs. Danielle Collins

You probably couldn’t find a bigger contrast in styles than Kasatkina and Collins on the WTA tour.

26-year-old Kasatkina, who is a popular figure in the locker rooms as seen in her light-hearted vlogs, plays with spin, measure and versatility to outfox her opponents – and is particularly lethal on clay courts.

On the other hand, Collins, playing in her final season on tour, is a juggernaut ball-striker who doesn’t hesitate to hit the cover off the ball any chance she gets.

Credit One Stadium, Credit One Charleston Open
2024 Credit One Charleston Open Day 8 at Credit One Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Charleston, South Carolina.

“Danielle is playing the best tennis of her career right now,” assessed Kasatkina on her opponent in the final. “She’s fearless. When she feels her game, she’s one of the most dangerous players on tour, and she definitely feels it right now.”

And the respect is mutual between the two, with Collins not overlooking the crafty player that stands in between her and a second title in a row.

“We’ve played so many matches against each other over the years and battles,” said Collins of Kasatkina. “She’s one of my favorite players to watch because she makes these matches so interesting. The way that she plays and her tennis IQ, how creative she is on court is phenomenal.

“It’s going to be a battle, and I have to be ready to play a long, tough match, if that’s what’s needed.”

Kasatkina has the slight edge in their head-to-head, having won their sole meeting on clay back in 2018, but Collins won their most recent matchup – an absolute thriller in San Jose three years ago where she defeated the Russian in a tense final in front of an energetic home crowd.