Kasatkina triumphs for her new 'unbelievable country'

Perth Now

26-05-2025

Daria Kasatkina sounded just a mite emotional as she reflected how she used to be so envious of those lucky folk who lived in Australia.
The flag was "beautiful", the country "unbelievable", the people "so welcoming", she used to think.
And this was the day, she concluded at Roland Garros, when she felt proud and honoured to be playing tennis not just as an Australian, but an Australian winner.
"Couldn't believe that one day I could call myself an Australian. You never know where life will bring you," was the 28-year-old's slightly incredulous take on a day when she overcame all the added stress that came with wanting to shine for her new adopted nation with a maiden green-and-gold grand slam win to repay them.
It came the hard way for the 17th seed, a tough battle to overcome the steely Katerina Siniakova, the Czech world No.1 doubles exponent, 6-1 3-6 6-2, in the first round of the French Open on Monday.
It was just under two months ago that Kasatkina, who's not been back to Russia for three years since coming out as gay in 2022 and since courageously venting her disapproval in public about the invasion of Ukraine, revealed she would represent Australia after gaining permanent residency.
They have been two "intense" months, she admitted. She's still not had the chance to visit her adopted country because of the hectic tour schedule but reckons she can't wait to look for her new Melbourne home once her passport has been sorted.
And while her recent form has dipped on court amid all the fuss, she has been blown away by the support she's received.
"Of course, changing the flag now, I want to be better, I want to bring success being an Australian. I think that's a little bit of pressure, but I think it's good. It's also a motivation," she explained.
"I knew today's match wasn't going to be easy, but I'm really happy the way I was able to fight and how I managed the nerves, the tough situations in the second set, and then improved in the third set. Yeah, super proud of myself."
Asked about playing under a new flag, the former French Open semi-finalist, who's set up a second-round clash with French wildcard, world No.100 Leolia Jeanjean, beamed: "Well, it's a beautiful flag, first of all, honestly.
"It's good to have a little tension, which gives you the adrenaline, helps you through the match. But when it's a bit too much, that's not good.
"So I was trying to balance this moment. I think I did it pretty good. I mean, to play my first grand slam under Australian flag, it's big honour. Yeah, just super happy and proud to also win the first match.
"The main thing is that I can live my life now freely and happy. With that, the tennis will come. I'm just really thankful to Australia to give me this opportunity."
Asked why she chose Australia amid all the places that might have embraced her, she smiled: "Because it's unbelievable country. Simple.
"This country was always amazing me, how the people are just getting along with each other so good, how welcoming it is. Nature and everything.
"I mean, me personally, I feel so comfortable there every time coming. Every year there."
And could embracing Australia have just given her extra reason to dream?
Because after all that's happened, she explained, "I just feel free with the wings."