Daria Kasatkina, a former champion at the Credit One Charleston Open, marked the beginning of her 2025 tournament and a new phase in her career by representing Australia. She secured a dominant 6-1, 6-1 win in the second round against wild card Lauren Davis.
Since 2022, Kasatkina has been competing as a neutral athlete following restrictions on Russian and Belarusian players due to the Ukraine conflict. Recently, she announced her permanent residency in Australia and her decision to compete under the Australian flag going forward.
Leading up to the Charleston event, where she clinched her first Hologic WTA Tour title in 2017, Kasatkina, seeded No. 5, revealed that her sexual orientation played a crucial role in her decision. In 2023, the Russian government labeled the `international LGBT movement` as `extremist`.
Kasatkina explained to Ben Rothenberg at Bounces that she felt compelled to make this change due to the situation in her previous country. Being openly gay, she stated, necessitated this step to live authentically.
Currently ranked No. 12, Kasatkina displayed impressive form in her debut match as Australia`s top-ranked player. She is significantly ahead of Australia`s No. 2, Kimberly Birrell, who is ranked at No. 62. Kasatkina swiftly defeated American player Davis in just 61 minutes. She appeared relaxed and cheerful during her post-match interview with Andrew Krasny.
She admitted to Krasny that she was trying to contain her smile despite pre-match nerves. Stepping onto the court with her new status and flag was initially stressful. She acknowledged feeling nervous but was pleased to have managed it successfully.
Kasatkina received warm applause from the audience and a high-five from Krasny, her smile widening as she expressed gratitude for the support.
She concluded by saying that the past few years have been challenging, making her especially happy to be in that moment and feel supported.
