Tennis professional Daria Kasatkina is preparing for a profoundly significant milestone at Melbourne Park. For the first time, she will compete in a Grand Slam tournament as an Australian citizen, marking a new chapter in both her career and personal life following her switch of allegiance from Russia.
A New Chapter Down Under
Kasatkina's journey to this point has been one of both personal conviction and professional renewal. She became a permanent resident of Australia in March, a move she has attributed largely to the hostile environment in her native Russia, specifically citing the criminalisation, censorship and violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Her transition is now complete, with citizenship granted and her new passport ready for collection as of last Saturday.
In an exclusive discussion with Guardian Australia's Jack Snape, Kasatkina revealed she is still acclimatising to the quirks of Australian life. The break she took from the sport has now culminated in this landmark return, filled with a new sense of belonging.
'I Can't Believe I'm Saying That'
The emotional weight of her situation is not lost on the athlete. "I'm really looking forward to playing in a home slam – I can't believe I'm saying that," Kasatkina confessed. This statement underscores the surreal and heartfelt nature of her upcoming participation in the Australian Open. It transforms the tournament from a regular stop on the circuit into a deeply personal homecoming event.
Her path to the Australian Open 2026 is now paved with a different kind of pressure and pride. No longer just a visitor, Kasatkina steps onto the court with the backing of a nation she has chosen to call home, representing her new-found freedom and safety on one of tennis's biggest stages.
