Image Source: Mike Peter – BBC Sport journalist
Key Takeaways:
- Daria Kasatkina has gained Australian citizenship and will play her first Australian Open as a home player
- Kasatkina has been playing as a neutral athlete since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022
- The 28-year-old came out as gay in 2022 and has not returned to Russia since
- Kasatkina has described the war in Ukraine as a "nightmare" and is relieved to have gained Australian citizenship
- She will begin her tournament against Czech teenager Nikola Bartunkova and expects to receive huge support in Melbourne
Introduction to Daria Kasatkina’s Journey
Daria Kasatkina, a Russian-born tennis player, has finally found a sense of relief and freedom as she prepares for her first Australian Open as a home player. After gaining Australian citizenship, Kasatkina can "finally breathe" and focus on her tennis career without the burden of her past. As she stated, "Finally I can just breathe. I can live and just do my job and not be worried about the things which are not in my control." This newfound sense of freedom is a welcome change for Kasatkina, who has been playing as a neutral athlete since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Challenges of Playing as a Neutral Athlete
The past two years have been extremely challenging for Kasatkina, both on and off the court. She has been unable to represent her home country and has had to navigate the complexities of playing as a neutral athlete. As she noted, "The last season was very, very tough. I was trying to get out of this hole basically." The emotional toll of this experience was evident, and Kasatkina was forced to end her 2025 season early, citing that she was "mentally and emotionally at breaking point." Despite these challenges, Kasatkina has persevered and is now looking forward to a new chapter in her life as an Australian citizen.
Coming Out and Finding Support
Kasatkina’s decision to come out as gay in 2022 was a brave one, especially given the conservative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia. As she has stated, she has not returned to Russia since coming out, and the war in Ukraine has only added to her sense of disconnection from her home country. Kasatkina has described the war as a "nightmare," and it is clear that she is relieved to have found a new sense of belonging in Australia. As she prepares for her first Australian Open as a home player, Kasatkina is excited to receive the support of the Australian crowd, saying "For the first time I’m going to play in front of such a big home crowd, so that’s going to be special."
Preparing for the Australian Open
Kasatkina’s first match at the Australian Open will be against Czech teenager Nikola Bartunkova, and she is aware of the pressure that comes with playing in front of a home crowd. As she noted, "I have to manage my nerves, because I’ve never been in this situation before." However, Kasatkina is viewing this pressure as a positive, stating "This is a good pressure, so I would choose this one compared to what I have been through in the past couple of years." With her newfound sense of freedom and belonging, Kasatkina is ready to take on the challenges of the Australian Open and make the most of this special opportunity.
A New Chapter in Kasatkina’s Life
As Kasatkina prepares to take to the court at the Australian Open, she is aware that this marks a new chapter in her life. As she stated, "Now basically I’m going to play a home Slam and that’s a really special chapter in my life." With her Australian citizenship and the support of the Australian crowd, Kasatkina is feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. After a difficult few years, Kasatkina is finally able to focus on her tennis career and enjoy the experience of playing in front of a home crowd. As she embarks on this new journey, Kasatkina is ready to make the most of this opportunity and see where it takes her.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/cly3lzx827mo?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Byahoo.north.america%5D-%5Bheadline%5D-%5Bsport%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D
