Daria Kasatkina eager to begin new chapter under Australian flag

Daria Kasatkina, originally from Russia, expressed her emotions and excitement about starting a new chapter in her career under the Australian flag at the current Charleston Open, following her recent acquisition of permanent residency.

At 27 years old, she has been participating in the Tour as a neutral athlete since Russian and Belarusian players were prohibited from competing under their national flags due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Belarus serving as a base for this action.

"It's my first official day as an Australian player," said Kasatkina, who dipped into Australian colloquialism and referred to reporters in Charleston as "mates" on Monday.

"Honestly, it feels different, I'm not going to lie. It's emotional for me. I have to get used to it. But I'm really happy to start this new chapter of my life representing Australia on the big stage."

Kasatkina, originally from Tolyatti in western Russia, has not set foot in her home country for over two years since publicly coming out as gay and being among the few athletes to openly oppose the war.

The Russian government has classified the LGBT movement as extremist, labeling its supporters as terrorists, which has led to significant legal repercussions for LGBT individuals and their allies.

Currently ranked 12th in the world, Kasatkina resides in Dubai and trains in Spain, but she now intends to establish her residence in Melbourne.

"With everything going on in my previous country, I didn't have much choice," Kasatkina said about her decision to switch her nationality.

"For me, being openly gay, if I want to be myself, I have to make this step, and I did it."

Kasatkina has advanced to the second round after receiving a bye in the first round. She will face either Lauren Davis or Jamie Loeb in Charleston, where the 2017 champion will make her debut representing Australia on the court.

"I have to get used to it a little bit, because for a couple of years I didn't hear anything," Kasatkina said.

"But it's something nice to get used to."