Ningbo champion Daria Kasatkina consoles teary-eyed runner-up Mirra Andreeva in trophy ceremony

You've got a friend in me. After nearly two hours of hard-fought tennis between Mirra Andreeva and Daria Kasatkina in the final of the WTA 500 Ningbo Open on Sunday, the biggest highlight came post-match, where the elder of the two Russians consoled the teary-eyed teenager through the trophy presentation.

With Andreeva struggling to speak, voice quivering, as she was overcome with emotion after losing a 3-0 lead, with points for 4-1, in the final set of the 6-0, 4-6, 6-4 final, Kasatkina sprang into action.

From her courtside perch seated on her bench, the champion sprinted up the stage, enveloped her beaten opponent and good friend in a big hug, and whispered words of encouragement in her ear so Andreeva could collect herself.

The heartfelt moment left both women smiling, and a grin on the face of former world No. 1 Conchita Martinez, who has been coaching Andreeva since the spring, in the stands.

Despite being 10 years Kasatkina's junior, Andreeva has struck up a frienship with the former Top 10 player, routinely earning praise from her elder competitior for both her on-court prowess and her repeated candor in her appearances on the touring vlog that Kasatkina produces girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako.

Kasatkina spoke highly of Andreeva, too, after the one hour and 54-minute final, in which the 17-year-old fought valiantly after losing the first sevent games.

"She's this kind of player who never gives up, and to win any point, you have to almost die on court," Kasatkina said. "It was the case, and honestly I feel like it's a miracle, the third set."

Watch: Daria Kasatkina teases Mirra Andreeva is 'piece of gold' in Madrid vlog

Kasatkina's victory was her second of the season in her sixth final, all at WTA 500 level. 2023 WTA Newcomer of the Year Andreeva, meanwhile, dropped to 1-1 in career finals, both of which have come this year.