Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
36m ago

Kasatkina Becomes Australian Citizen, Set for Melbourne Park Debut as Local

She broke with Russia over the war to find a country that welcomes her.

Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - August 30, 2025 Australia's Daria Kasatkina reacts during her third round match against Japan's Naomi Osaka REUTERS/Jeenah Moon
Daria Kasatkina is fired up to have the Australian flag next to her name at the Australian Open. (Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS)
Image

Overview

  • Daria Kasatkina announced her Australian citizenship with a photo of her certificate, writing "Officially an Australian" and "Happy, grateful and free."
  • She will play the Australian Open as an Australian for the first time, opening against Czech qualifier Nikola Bartůňková.
  • Kasatkina said the change is about acceptance rather than a passport, praising the support she has felt from Australians.
  • The former world No.8 has not returned to Russia since coming out as gay in 2022 and has faced criticism and social media abuse after switching allegiances.
  • A vocal critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kasatkina says she feels mentally refreshed after a difficult 2025 season and enters the tournament ranked No.48 and as Australia’s No.2 behind Maya Joint.