In a significant personal and professional move, tennis luminary Daria Kasatkina has formally embraced Australian citizenship. This transition, publicly announced on the eve of the Australian Open, represents a profound step for the athlete, who has openly identified as gay and voiced strong critiques against the Russian government's actions, particularly its involvement in the Ukrainian conflict. Her decision underscores a quest for personal liberty and a supportive environment, contrasting sharply with the challenges she encountered in her country of origin.
The announcement came with a poignant social media post, featuring Kasatkina proudly displaying her certificate of citizenship against the backdrop of the Australian flag. Her accompanying message, expressing happiness, gratitude, and a newfound sense of freedom, resonated deeply. This declaration preceded her official press conference for the Australian Open, highlighting the immediacy and importance of this life-altering event. The 27-year-old’s defection from Russia occurred in March of the previous year, a choice she attributed to the necessity of living an authentic life. During a press conference at the Charleston Open, she articulated that her identity as an openly gay individual necessitated this decisive action.
Kasatkina's outspoken criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine further illustrates her conviction. She famously described the conflict as a 'full-blown nightmare' in an interview published on YouTube in 2022. For Kasatkina, a well-regarded figure within the WTA Tour, this change of nationality extends far beyond administrative procedures or the pursuit of enhanced career funding, common motivations for athletes switching allegiances. This is particularly relevant given recent shifts by other Russian players, such as Anastasia Potapova to Austria, and Kamilla Rakhimova and Polina Kudermetova to Uzbekistan.
Speaking at Melbourne Park, Kasatkina conveyed the immense emotional weight of her new citizenship. She emphasized that the significance of this moment transcends mere paperwork, embodying a profound sense of acceptance. The overwhelming support she received from the Australian populace, whom she described as strangers, left a lasting impression, filling her with an unexpected measure of affection. These positive sentiments provided crucial motivation during a demanding 2025 season, which saw her conclude early amidst the dual pressures of criticism from her former homeland and the personal toll of her life-altering decision. Despite the difficulties, she found solace in the ability to 'finally breathe' and move past incessant scrutiny.
A former French Open semifinalist and once ranked as high as eighth globally, Kasatkina expressed eagerness to reciprocate the opportunities Australia has provided. Her aspiration to don the national colors, 'green and gold,' speaks to her deep commitment. Her upcoming match against Nikola Bartůňková at the Australian Open represents a pivotal moment, marking her debut in a 'home Slam'—an experience typically reserved for athletes from a select few nations. This new chapter, she believes, is 'really special' and one she intends to fully embrace.