Kasatkina begins new chapter as Australian player at Charleston Open

SOUTH CAROLINA: Daria Kasatkina has officially started a new chapter in her career, competing under the Australian flag at the Charleston Open after being granted permanent residency last week. The 27-year-old, who had been playing as a neutral athlete following the ban on Russian and Belarusian players from representing their nations, expressed her emotions about the transition.

“It’s my first official day as an Australian player,” Kasatkina said on Monday, adding a touch of Australian slang by calling reporters “mates.” “Honestly, it feels different, I’m not going to lie. It’s emotional for me. I have to get used to it. But I’m really happy to start this new chapter of my life representing Australia on the big stage.”

Born in Tolyatti, Russia, Kasatkina has not returned to her home country in over two years. She has been an outspoken critic of the war in Ukraine and is one of the few Russian athletes to have publicly come out as gay. Now, she is embracing a fresh start in Australia, a country that has become her new home both on and off the court.

As she competes in Charleston, Kasatkina will look to make an impact under her new flag, marking the beginning of an exciting new phase in her career.(Reuters)