Russian-born tennis star Daria Kasatkina has spoken openly about a sense of relief and freedom as she prepares to compete in her first Australian Open as a home player, following her recent change of nationality. The 28-year-old says gaining Australian citizenship has allowed her to “finally breathe” after several emotionally challenging years marked by political turmoil, personal struggle, and uncertainty about her future in the sport.
Kasatkina has officially become an Australian citizen ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam, having competed as a neutral athlete since 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That decision to play without national representation came amid growing tension within international sport, particularly for Russian athletes, many of whom faced restrictions and scrutiny.
For Kasatkina, the situation was even more complex. In 2022, she publicly came out as gay and has not returned to Russia since. She has repeatedly described the war in Ukraine as a “nightmare” and has spoken about the emotional toll of living in limbo, unable to safely return home while competing under constant pressure.
“Finally I can just breathe,” Kasatkina said ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne. “I can live and just do my job and not be worried about things that are not in my control.” Her words reflect the sense of stability and belonging she now feels after making Australia her permanent home.
The past season proved particularly difficult for the former world number eight. She admitted that 2025 was one of the toughest years of her career, both mentally and emotionally. In October, Kasatkina ended her season early, revealing that she had reached a breaking point and needed time away from competition to recover.
“The last season was very, very tough,” she explained. “I was trying to get out of this hole basically.” That honesty resonated with many fans, highlighting the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by elite athletes.
Now, with a fresh start under the Australian flag, Kasatkina is looking ahead with renewed optimism. She will open her Australian Open campaign against Czech teenager Nikola Bartunkova, and as Australia’s new number two player, she is expected to receive strong support from the Melbourne crowd.
“For the first time I’m going to play in front of such a big home crowd,” she said. “That’s going to be really special.” While excited, Kasatkina admitted that the experience will bring new challenges, particularly in managing nerves.
“I have to control my emotions because I’ve never been in this situation before,” she added. “But this is good pressure. I would choose this kind of pressure over what I’ve been through over the past couple of years.”
Kasatkina described the upcoming tournament as a defining moment in her life and career. Competing in a Grand Slam as a home player represents not just a professional milestone, but also a deeply personal one. “Now I’m basically going to play a home Slam,” she said. “That’s a really special chapter in my life.”
Her transition to Australia has been well-documented, with Kasatkina previously stating that she “didn’t have much choice” regarding the switch, given her personal circumstances and beliefs. Australia, she has said, offers her safety, acceptance, and the freedom to live authentically.
While Kasatkina begins a new journey under the Australian banner, attention has also turned to her former compatriot and close friend Mirra Andreeva. The teenage sensation has firmly established herself as Russia’s leading women’s player, continuing her rapid rise on the WTA Tour.
Andreeva, currently ranked world number eight, claimed her fourth WTA title with an impressive 6-3, 6-1 victory over fellow teenager Victoria Mboko in the Adelaide International final. The 18-year-old showed remarkable composure, battling back from a 3-0 deficit in the opening set before winning six consecutive games to seize control of the match.
She carried that momentum into the second set, securing an early break and closing out the contest confidently against the 19-year-old Canadian. The victory further cemented Andreeva’s reputation as one of the brightest young talents in women’s tennis.
Last year, Andreeva enjoyed a breakthrough season, winning back-to-back WTA 1,000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells. Her rapid ascent has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats, and expectations are high as she prepares for the Australian Open.
In the first round at Melbourne Park, Andreeva will face Paris Olympics silver medallist Donna Vekic, setting up one of the most intriguing opening matches of the tournament.
Elsewhere on the tennis circuit, there were notable results in the lead-up to the Australian Open. In Auckland, Czech player Jakub Mensik captured the men’s title with a straight-sets victory over Argentina’s Sebastian Baez. Mensik won 6-3, 7-6, edging a tense second-set tie-break 9-7 to seal the championship.
In Hobart, Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto enjoyed a successful week, defeating American teenager Iva Jovic 6-4, 6-4 to claim her first WTA title since 2023. The win marked an important return to form for Cocciaretto, who will now head to Melbourne with confidence.
The Australian Open, which begins on Sunday in Melbourne, promises compelling storylines both on and off the court. For Kasatkina, the tournament represents more than just another Grand Slam appearance. It symbolizes closure, renewal, and the beginning of a new life chapter.
After years of uncertainty, emotional strain, and displacement, Kasatkina now steps onto the court with a sense of belonging and purpose. Backed by a home crowd and a country she now proudly represents, she hopes to channel that support into a strong performance at Melbourne Park.
Whether or not she lifts the trophy, Kasatkina’s journey stands as a powerful reminder that sport is deeply intertwined with identity, freedom, and personal courage.
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