“If I want to be myself, I have to make this step, and I did it,” said Daria Kasatkina on leaving her home country, Russia, and changing her nationality to Australian. The World No. 12 confirmed on Saturday that the government has accepted her application for permanent residency. That makes her the new Australian No. 1 and the country’s highest-ranked female player since Ash Barty retired. She will debut under the Australian flag at the Charleston Open today, kicking off a brand-new chapter in her career. And fans couldn’t be happier for her!

Kasatkina, born in Russia, has been competing as a neutral athlete since 2022. Russian and Belarusian players were banned from playing under their flags following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. But for Kasatkina, this decision was about more than just tennis. She hasn’t set foot in Russia for over two years, ever since coming out as gay in a 2022 interview. She also spoke out against the war, making it unsafe for her to return home. Now, settled in Australia, she is embracing a fresh start.

Her first match as an Aussie comes against American Lauren Davis in Charleston. Ahead of the match, she shared her excitement in a video posted on X, “Today’s the first day being an official Aussie representative on tour. It’s great I got so much support. The messages from players and coaches. It’s great. I feel so much love and support. Thank you so much. Really looking forward to start representing Australia on the big stage.”

“Well, Australia is a special place. Coming there, every year I just honestly, was a little bit jealous of how people live there, how they are so open-minded, and how amazing this place is. I just couldn’t believe that one day I could call this place home, and now I can play under the Australian flag. I just feel great, accepted, and loved here and that’s all I was asking for.”

And now fans are pouring in their love for the new Australian player!

Fans react to Daria Kasatkina’s new beginnings

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The tennis world has welcomed Kasatkina with open arms. Tennis Australia’s official account commented, “Welcome to the Aussie tennis family.” Fellow Aussie Daria Saville, who also switched nationalities after being born in Russia, chimed in with a cheeky “new neighbor.”

Fans are just as thrilled about her transition. “I’m so happy for you! 🙏🏻🧡🎾,” one fan commented. Another added, “So sweet and well said. Best of luck to her in this new part of her career.” But it’s not all smooth sailing. Kasatkina admitted that while she’s excited, it’s also emotional. However, this is something she had to do considering the backlash she has faced since she came out. A Russian politician even made a failed attempt to label her a “foreign agent.” Last year, she even predicted there would be consequences for her actions.

Despite everything, she’s embracing her new life with enthusiasm. One fan summed it up perfectly and wrote, “That’s the spirit! Embracing new beginnings with open arms is the best way to feel at home. Here’s to finding love and acceptance in your Aussie adventure!”

The 27-year-old won’t be alone in this new chapter. Arina Rodionova and Daria Saville, two former Russians who have represented Australia for years, are already showing her the ropes. Kasatkina joked about Saville’s excitement. “Dash is talking non-stop,” she said. “Since I announced, she’s non-stop. On the phone, she called me, then she keeps sending me some stuff like the apartments and the houses around her location (in Melbourne). She’s so excited; I’m scared. Yeah, she is super happy for me.”

One fan celebrated her move with a mix of excitement and humor, “Woohoo welcome Down Under, Dasha! 🇶🇦 So happy for your new adventures 🫶 PS. Welcome to a great lifestyle, but the worst possible timezones for a tennis fan 😴🤣.” Having not set foot in Russia since coming out as gay and speaking against the war, the Russian-born tennis player had previously settled in Dubai and sometimes practiced in Spain. Now, she finally has a permanent home in Australia. With eight WTA singles titles to her name, she is ready to chase more success under the Australian flag. “Her career gonna have such a ‘second wind’ now,” a fan predicted.

With her switch, Kasatkina moves from being the 2nd-ranked Russian player to overtaking Kimberly Birrell as Australia’s top-ranked female player. She’s already embracing her new identity, even dropping an Aussie-ism at a press conference. “What’s going on, mates?” she quipped.

Daria Kasatkina’s journey has been anything but conventional. Now, she’s stepping onto the court as an Australian for the first time. How do you think her new chapter will unfold?