Video - When Kasatkina comforted a tearful Andreeva after the 2024 Ningbo final

Last year in Ningbo, Mirra Andreeva couldn't hold back her tears on the podium after losing the final to Daria Kasatkina.

The year 2024 has been pivotal in Andreeva's career. The young Russian player is currently in the top 5 worldwide at the age of 18, and has won her first two WTA 1000 titles this year in Dubai and Indian Wells.

Last year, at 17 years old, she had won the first title of her career on the main tour in July at the WTA 250 in Iasi against Elina Avanesyan. A few months later, she reached her first WTA 500 final in Ningbo at the end of the season.

Facing Daria Kasatkina, the Russian fell in less than two hours (6-0, 4-6, 6-4 in 1h54). On the podium during the trophy ceremony, Andreeva, very disappointed by her defeat, burst into tears. Kasatkina, her opponent, then went to comfort her on the podium (see video below).

This final remains to this day the only one Andreeva has lost on the main tour. Meanwhile, Kasatkina hasn't played a single final since and changed her sporting nationality this season. While she previously represented Russia, she now competes for Australia.