What’s Happening, Mates? Daria Kasatkina Shares Her Journey from Russia to Australia

Quickly adapting to her new identity, Australian Daria Kasatkina has openly discussed her choice to leave Russia behind.

On Saturday, the Russian-born athlete announced that she has received permanent residency in Australia and will start representing her new home on the WTA tour at the upcoming WTA 500 event in Charleston.

Making a light-hearted entrance during her inaugural media session as an Australian, Kasatkina greeted reporters at her pre-tournament press event with, “What’s going on, mates?”.

Currently ranked No. 12 in the world, she shared her surprising transition on social media, having competed as a neutral player since Russian and Belarusian athletes were barred from displaying their national flags due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

“Today, the rankings have updated, marking my first official day as an Australian player,” Kasatkina commented on Tuesday (AEDT).

“Honestly, it feels different; I won’t lie. It’s quite an emotional experience for me, so I need to adjust to it.

“I’m genuinely excited to embark on this new chapter and represent Australia on the global stage.”

Kasatkina noted that a significant factor in her departure from Russia was the restrictive environment for LGBTQI+ individuals in her homeland.

In 2023, Russia’s Supreme Court classified the “international LGBT movement” as an “extremist organisation,” which leads to the persecution of all LGBTQI+ activism.

The 27-year-old has been in a committed same-sex relationship with her girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako for almost three years and wished to live openly as her true self.

Following a revealing interview in 2022, Kasatkina faced ostracism in Russia, where authorities attempted to label her as a foreign agent.

“Given everything occurring in my former country, my options were limited,” she explained.

“For me, being open about my sexuality meant that I had to take this step. Ultimately, I did what I felt was necessary.”

In Australia, Kasatkina looks forward to being accepted and protected.

“I feel that Australia truly allows me to be myself, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful country,” Kasatkina stated.

Having participated in 10 Australian Opens, Kasatkina expressed that returning to compete in Australia as an Australian will be a “special” experience.

“Every year I’ve come to Australia and observed the immense support provided to local players—I honestly have never encountered such warmth in my life. It’s something I’m not accustomed to,” she added.

“It’s undoubtedly going to be emotional, but I anticipate enjoying it. I’m really looking forward to it.

“The first step is Charleston; there’s still a long journey ahead before next year. But yes, I am content and excited.”

Kasatkina initiated her application for permanent residency in Australia several months prior, following a request from Tennis Australia to her agent, John Morris, to commence the process.

“Tennis Australia took significant steps to assist me in this process. We collaborated closely to navigate it,” she shared.

“Without their backing and initiative, I doubt this would have been achievable. I am truly grateful to them.

“The pace of everything happening was quite quick, and I couldn’t be happier about it.”

A former semi-finalist at Roland-Garros, Kasatkina may not be eligible to represent Australia in certain international competitions like the Billie Jean King Cup immediately, as the International Tennis Federation bars players from switching countries without meeting certain criteria.

The governing body requires players to hold citizenship for a minimum of two years before they are allowed to represent their new country. Nonetheless, Tennis Australia can submit a request for an exemption on her behalf.

Kasatkina’s first match under the Australian flag is scheduled for Thursday (AEDT).