A Fresh Start on the court

Daria Kasatkina,now an australian citizen,marked her first appearance under the nation’s flag with a decisive victory at the WTA 500 Charleston. The tennis star dominated Lauren Davis, securing a swift 6-1, 6-1 win.This victory signifies more than just a match won; it represents a important turning point in Kasatkina’s career and personal life.

The transition to Australian citizenship follows a period of considerable change for Kasatkina. Her decision to represent Australia reflects a desire for stability and support, factors she openly acknowledged in her post-match comments.

Embracing the Australian Spirit

Following her triumphant match, Kasatkina expressed profound gratitude and excitement. She emphasized the positive impact of the support she’s received from the Australian community during this transformative phase of her life. The warmth and acceptance have clearly resonated with the athlete, fueling her performance on the court.

“I couldn’t stop smiling, these have been tough years and I’m still in a time of my life with many changes, but feeling the support of the peopel makes me happy,” Kasatkina stated, highlighting the emotional weight of this new chapter.

Looking Ahead: Charleston and Beyond

With her first victory as an Australian citizen secured, Kasatkina now sets her sights on the next challenge at the WTA 500 Charleston. She awaits the outcome of the match between Sofia Kenin and Belinda Bencic to determine her next opponent. The tournament presents an possibility for Kasatkina to further solidify her position and demonstrate the potential of this new phase in her career.

The WTA 500 Charleston is part of the Hologic WTA Tour, which has seen a 15% increase in viewership this year, according to recent Nielsen ratings. This heightened interest underscores the growing excitement surrounding women’s tennis and the compelling narratives of players like Kasatkina.

Social Media Buzz

The tennis community has been abuzz with reactions to Kasatkina’s citizenship and her first win representing Australia. social media platforms are filled with messages of support and congratulations.

Kasatkina after getting first win as becoming an Australian citizen

“When you walked out on court, Richard saeid ‘from Australia, please welcome Daria Kasatkina,’ how did it sound to hear it for the first time?”

Dasha: “Well it happened twice. The walk in on court and on the… pic.twitter.com/hVPMXNVk7Q

— The Tennis Letter (@thetennisletter) April 2, 2025