Daria Kasatkina Celebrates First Day As Australian Player

Daria Kasatkina, the world No. 12 tennis player, has officially made her mark as a new member of the Australian tennis community by switching her allegiance from Russia to Australia. The 27-year-old announced on March 28, 2025, that her application for permanent residency in Australia had been accepted, paving the way for her to represent her new homeland on the professional circuit.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kasatkina expressed her excitement about this new chapter in her life, stating, "Australia is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally at home. I love being in Melbourne and look forward to making my home there." This decision comes after a challenging period where she competed as a neutral athlete due to the ban on Russian and Belarusian players from competing under their flags following the geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Kasatkina's journey to this point has not been without its struggles. She has not returned to Russia in over two years, citing safety concerns as an openly gay individual who has publicly criticized her country’s LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing war in Ukraine. In 2023, she revealed, "I fled Russia because I did not feel safe as a gay person who opposes the war." Her relationship with Russian-Estonian figure skater Natalia Zabiiako, which she came out about three years ago, further complicated her situation in her home country.

As she prepares for her first match under the Australian flag at the Charleston Open in South Carolina, Kasatkina reflected on the emotional weight of her decision. "It’s my first official day as an Australian player. Honestly, it feels different, I’m not going to lie. It’s emotional for me," she said during a press conference. "I have to get used to it, but I’m really happy to start this new chapter of my life representing Australia on the big stage." Her debut match is set for April 2, 2025, where she will face either Lauren Davis or Jamie Loeb.

Tennis Australia welcomed her to the Australian tennis family with open arms, stating, "Tennis Australia warmly welcomes Daria to the Australian tennis family. Effective immediately, Daria will compete as an Australian, and we wish her all the best for her upcoming tournaments." The Australian Open’s official Instagram account also chimed in, saying, "Dasha Down Under. A warm welcome." Kasatkina holds a 9-8 record this season, with her best performance coming at the Australian Open, where she reached the Round of 16 after winning her first three matches.

Kasatkina’s switch to Australia marks a significant moment not only in her career but also in the broader context of sports and LGBTQ+ representation. She is currently the only openly gay woman in the top 100 of singles on the WTA Tour, making her a trailblazer for athletes navigating similar challenges. Her courageous stance against her home country’s policies and her decision to seek a more accepting environment in Australia highlight the intersection of sports, identity, and politics.

Reflecting on her journey, Kasatkina noted, "With everything going on in my previous country, I didn’t have much choice. For me, being openly gay, if I want to be myself, I have to make this step, and I did it." This sentiment resonates with many athletes who have faced difficult choices in the wake of political and social upheaval.

As she steps onto the court in Charleston, Kasatkina is not just competing for titles; she is also representing a community that has been marginalized. Her story is a testament to the resilience of athletes who strive to be true to themselves while navigating the complexities of international politics and societal norms.

Kasatkina’s decision has drawn attention not only from fans but also from fellow athletes, who have expressed their support. The warmth and encouragement she has received from Tennis Australia and the broader Australian community have made her transition smoother and more fulfilling.

As the Charleston Open approaches, all eyes will be on Kasatkina as she embarks on this new journey. Her determination to succeed while embracing her identity is sure to inspire many, both within and beyond the world of tennis. With her sights set on future tournaments and a renewed sense of purpose, Daria Kasatkina is ready to make her mark as an Australian athlete, proving that sports can be a powerful platform for change and acceptance.