By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Monday, March 31, 2025
CHARLESTON—Daria Kasatkina starts the week in a familiar place yet as a new player and person as she now competes for Australia.
The Russian-born Kasatkina, 27, spoke to the media ahead of her competing at this week’s WTA 500 Credit One Charleston Open in Charleston, S.C.
She recently posted on social media that her request for permanent residency in Australia was accepted.
Entering the room, Kasatkina joked, “What’s going on, mates?!”, as she knew the first questions would be about changing representation.
As of Monday, the WTA Tour site now shows Kasatkina with the Australian flag and not as a “neutral player”, which is the designation for players from Russia and Belarus due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
“Actually, today the ranking updated and it's my first official day as an Australian player,” Kasatkina, currently ranked World No. 12, said about her decision. “Honestly it feels different. I'm not going to lie.
"It's emotional for me, so I have to get used to it. But yeah, I'm really happy to start this new chapter of my life.”
When asked what factors went into her decision, Kasatkina cited one of the biggest being the Russian government’s anti-LGBTQ laws.
“Well, honestly, with everything, what's going on in my previous country I didn't have much choice because for me being openly gay,” Kasatkina said. “And you know if I want to be myself, I had to make this step.
"I'm really thankful to Australia and Tennis Australia as well for helping me in this process and welcoming me.”
Kasatkina left Russia in 2022 saying that she did not feel safe there.
On why she specifically chose Australia, Kasatkina added, “Well, I think it's obvious to say that just to say that Australia is very open minded and. everyone is welcome there.”
Kasatkina said she has received many positive messages from current Australian players and hopes to be able to compete in team events for the nation soon.
“I've got like so many messages from now my teammates and also the representatives at Tennis Australia, (sent me) a lot of support and nice messages," Kasatkina said. "As I said, it's a special moment for me.”
Kasatkina, who won the Charleston title when she was 19 years old back in 2017, looks forward to playing this week in Charleston and has fond memories of her run to the title.
“I still remember that day like it was yesterday,” she said. “Charleston is also one of the places where I feel at home because of the people here. I have the best memories here. If I can have another good run here, that would be amazing.”
Photo credit: VCG/Getty