Australia’s Daria Kasatkina reacts throughout her third spherical match in opposition to Japan’s Naomi Osaka. Photograph: REUTERS
MELBOURNE:
Russian-born Daria Kasatkina stated she is able to embrace the “good stress” of a house Grand Slam when she steps onto the Melbourne Park court docket as an Australian citizen for the primary time.
The 28-year-old performed on the tour as a impartial athlete after Russian gamers have been banned from competing beneath their very own flag following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Having discovered herself thrust into the political highlight, Kasatkina grew to become one of many few Russian-born gamers to publicly criticise the battle, earlier than a pathway to everlasting residency in Australia opened up final March.
Kasatkina, who has not returned to Russia since popping out as homosexual in 2022, posted on social media on Saturday that she had been formally confirmed as a full citizen and may anticipate a heat reception from native followers on the yr’s opening Grand Slam which begins on Sunday.
“That is good stress, so I would select this in comparison with what I have been by means of previously couple of years,” Kasatkina advised reporters on Saturday.
“For the primary time I will play in entrance of such a giant residence crowd, in order that’s going to be particular. I’ve to handle my nerves, as a result of I’ve by no means been on this scenario earlier than.
“However I am tremendous proud and it is an especially constructive change. The entire of final yr has been a yr of transition, which introduced me to the place I’m proper now.”
Kasatkina, who at world quantity 48 is the Australian quantity two behind Thirty second-ranked Maya Joint, stated being a citizen meant extra than simply holding a brand new passport.
“It is about acceptance. As a result of actually, the entire course of, the help from the folks, from different residents, it has been superb,” Kasatkina added.
“I could not think about that, coming from a totally completely different background to receiving this quantity of help from strangers, I felt a lot love. From final yr, however now that I am totally Australian, I am proud and grateful. That is a duty, however that is what I used to be on the lookout for.”
After ending her season in October citing the pressure of a heavy tour schedule and emotional stress, Kasatkina stated she was in a greater place mentally.
“That is an important factor, as a result of the top of final yr was powerful. I used to be attempting to get out of this gap,” the previous world quantity eight added.
“I am proud of the progress I’ve made, and now it is nearly competing nicely, which is what I used to be on the lookout for. Now I can simply discuss tennis, and that is an important factor.”
Kasatkina, who reached the fourth spherical at Melbourne Park final yr, faces Czech Nikola Bartunkova in her opening match.
Grateful Williams
Seven-times Grand Slam champion Venus Williams thanked Australian Open organisers on Saturday for giving her a wildcard that can see the 45-year-old American grow to be the oldest lady ever to compete within the singles essential draw.
Williams returned to tennis final season after a 16-month break, profitable considered one of her 4 tour-level matches earlier than beginning 2026 with a first-round defeat by 53rd-ranked Pole Magda Linette as a wildcard on the Auckland Basic final week.
Granted one other wildcard for the Hobart Worldwide, world quantity 576 Williams was additionally eradicated within the first spherical in opposition to 38-year-old German Tatjana Maria, a match that includes gamers with the very best mixed age in WTA historical past.
“It has been 5 years since I’ve been right here. They flew by, and I am tremendous, tremendous grateful for the chance from Tennis Australia,” Williams advised reporters at Melbourne Park on Saturday.
“Grateful for the chance to play in entrance of the followers. I’ve simply obtained a lot help within the tournaments main up, strolling across the metropolis and every little thing. My hope is to play my greatest.”
The allocation of discretionary wildcards has stoked debate on the Australian Open, with residence participant Nick Kyrgios within the highlight earlier than his choice to drag out of the lads’s singles.
Although an enormous drawcard at his residence Grand Slam, Kyrgios performed solely 4 accomplished singles matches final season and is ranked outdoors the highest 600.
