Daria Kasatkina beams with joy after representing Australia over Russia at Charleston Open

Daria Kasatkina switched her nationality and played the first match of her career at the Charleston Open as an Australian player.

Daria Kasatkina beams with joy after representing Australia over Russia at Charleston Open

Daria Kasatkina (Image via X/bet365 Australia)

There was stress but there was also joy when the announcer introduced Daria Kasatkina as a player from Australia at the Charleston Open on Wednesday (April 2). Kasatkina has switched allegiance from her native Russia to Australia and her 6-1, 6-1 victory against Lauren Davis was her first match as a player from Down Under.

The World No.12, who reached a career-high ranking of No.8 in 2022, born in Tolyatti, Russia, and has so far won eight titles on the WTA Tour. She has been representing her native country since her junior career and even won the 2014 French Open girls’ title.

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Kasatkina said she was left with no choice. The 27-year-old, during an interview, came out as gay in July 2022 and is dating Natalia Zabiiako, the Russian-Estonian competitive pair skater and an Olympic silver medalist. Due to Russia’s stance on LGBTQ rights, it was tough for Kasatkina to be “openly gay” and to be herself, so she had to take this drastic step. She has also been an outspoken critic of Russia for their invasion of Ukraine and once she was called a “foreign agent” by a Russian politician.

Well, it happened twice [hearing the announcer say she’s from Australia]. The walk-in on court and on the warm-up. I couldn’t handle my smile… Even though I was a bit stressed and nervous before the match because I also have some changes in my life. I just couldn’t handle the smile. Thank you for your support. I got so many messages. So much support. It’s been a tough couple of years. I’m really happy to stand here and feel like this.

Daria Kasatkina said during the on-court interview

Daria Kasatkina was stressed during her first match at the Charleston Open

Daria Kasatkina‘s reaction after seeing the Wednesday schedule, that is, the Australian flag next to her name was, “Oh my God!“. Though representing Australia has been a “special moment” for her, it wasn’t easy for her to play with everything that’s happening in her life. She is relieved that she handled the situation well to breeze into the next round.

Daria Kasatkina
Daria Kasatkina (Image via X/The Tennis Channel)

Going on court today as an Aussie this time was stressful, honestly. This week in general was a bit stressful, let’s say, with all the changes and with all the feedback and stuff. When the tennis player steps on the court, all the stress (she) is living through explodes. That’s how it works. Really happy how I handled that situation today, because it was not easy, honestly.

Daria Kasatkina told Tennis Channel

Before Melbourne, Kasatkina had been living in Dubai for more than two years and didn’t return to Russia. Her application for permanent residency in Australia was accepted last week. Her parents, however, continue to live in Russia.

In recent years, apart from Kasatkina, Natela Dzalamidze and Alexander Shevchenko, the two Russian-born tennis players, also switched nationality. Dzalamidze and Shevchenko represent Georgia and Kazakhstan respectively.

Daria Kasatkina to lock horns with Sofia Kenin next

Daria Kasatkina, the fifth seed at the Charleston Open, is pitted against another home favorite. She is scheduled to lock horns with an unseeded Sofia Kenin on Thursday (April 3).

Daria Kasatkina
Daria Kasatkina (Image via X/Jimmie48 Photography)

Before setting up the clash with the Australian, the World No.44 knocked out compatriot Bernarda Pera and 2021 Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic. Kasatkina has met the 26-year-old six times and holds a 3-3 head-to-head record.

They last met in the second round of this year’s Indian Wells where Kasatkina came from a set down to move into the next round. Both the players are searching for their first title of the season and haven’t yet progressed to a semifinal this year.