Azarenka leaps to Kasatkina's aid in Rome

On Friday in Rome, when Daria Kasatkina went down with a rolled ankle in the first-set tiebreak, her opponent Victoria Azarenka jumped into action. The injury was clearly serious with Kasatkina staying on the ground for a couple of very long moments.

"I'm really sad for Daria because we were playing such great tennis," Azarenka told press. "I felt it was such a great fight. She's such a talented player."

Azarenka grabbed ice and a towel, and helped the Russian return to her chair where they shared a few words of support.

"It's difficult to find the words when you have emotions," Azarenka said. "She was very gracious. She said that my comeback inspired her and I just told her that just keep going, never think it's over. You can always try harder, just do the best out of this situation."

Kasatkina was doing a great job of stretching the Belarusian's limits in the match after Azarenka came in full of confidence one day after stunning world No. 5 Sofia Kenin, 6-0, 6-0.

"She has been playing so beautifully, so smart the court," Azarenka said. "Putting me in very uncomfortable situations where I had to really push myself, so it was a really great battle out there."

Kasatkina has dealt with injury setbacks before, including a rolled ankle on the very same Italian Open stadium court in 2017.

"I hope she's able to recover before the French Open," Azarenka said. "I offered her my help and my team's help if she needs it."

Azarenka now moves on to the quarterfinals where she faces Garbine Muguruza.