Daria Kasatkina is set to experience a profound first at Melbourne Park this week. The former world number eight will compete in a Grand Slam tournament representing Australia for the very first time, marking a significant milestone in her whirlwind journey of switching national allegiance and embracing a new life down under.
A New Identity: From Daria to 'Dasha'
The 28-year-old, who now prefers the less formal nickname 'Dasha', has undergone immense change in the past year. Having become a permanent Australian resident in March 2025 and recently attaining full citizenship, her new passport was waiting for collection just days before the tournament. This transition was driven largely by her need to leave Russia, where she faced the threat of criminalisation and censorship as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Kasatkina, now engaged to former figure skater Natalia 'Natasha' Zabiiako, describes the Australian mindset as a source of newfound optimism. "Because I became an Australian," she explains, "it has to be a bit more 'chill'." She is still adapting to the cultural shift, noting the contrast with her Russian upbringing where punctuality and formality were paramount. "Everyone is so chill, like 'if you're late, you're late, mate'. It's okay, take it easy," she says, amused by the laid-back attitude.
Finding Form and 'Home' Support
Kasatkina's on-court journey has seen its own challenges. After a gruelling 2025 season where she cited mental and emotional exhaustion, she ended her year early. Her ranking dipped to its lowest in over five years, despite reaching the round of 16 at both Roland Garros and the Australian Open last year. However, recent signs are promising, including a victory over Maria Sakkari in Adelaide.
She faces a first-round test against fast-rising Czech teenager Nikola Bartůňková on Tuesday. While initially nervous playing in front of home crowds in Brisbane and Adelaide, she now feels energised. "I'm really looking forward to playing in a 'home slam' – I can't believe I'm saying that," Kasatkina admits, shaking her head. "I see how people just love sports here... for me that's beautiful."
Her support team has been bolstered by Tennis Australia, allowing her to add experienced fitness coach Jona Segal to her team alongside coach Flavio Cipolla and her fiancée. She has also been welcomed into the WhatsApp group used by Australia's top women's players, a gesture that initially confused her but which she now appreciates for its team spirit and lack of jealousy.
Life on the Tour and Ties to Home
Despite her decisive break from Russia, Kasatkina speaks with nuance about her homeland, where she still has family. She praises the reliability and responsibility of people with a "Russian mentality", while acknowledging the stereotypical grumpiness. "Honestly there are many good Russians in the world, and unfortunately now it doesn't look like that but, I mean, it is," she states.
On the professional circuit, she maintains close friendships with a diverse group, including players who have switched allegiances like Maria Timofeeva, and those who still represent Russia, such as Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Mirra Andreeva. "We have to get along with each other," she says of the travelling tennis "circus". Her popular YouTube channel with Zabiiako offers fans a window into these dynamics.
The road to citizenship itself became a positive focus during her break from tennis. She aced the citizenship test with a perfect score in December, comparing the satisfaction to winning on court. "You prepare, you train and then you're shown the result and you're happy, so you get rewarded."
While she has no immediate plans to relocate permanently, she is embracing her new identity, developing a fondness for wombats and describing Australia as "a place to live, a place to raise your kids." For now, home is wherever she and Zabiiako are together on the tour.
As she prepares to walk onto the court at Melbourne Park, Kasatkina reflects on her new country with gratitude. "The people who were born here, they're just … I hope they realise how lucky they are." Whatever the result in her matches, this Australian Open represents far more than just tennis for the player once known as Russia's Daria.
