Daria Kasatkina, a 28-year-old tennis player, is gearing up for the Australian Open following a tumultuous season marked by personal challenges and a recent national allegiance switch. The Russian-born athlete recently made it to the French Open semi-finals in 2022. Her ranking has now plummeted to 37th after making the top 10 for four consecutive years. Having ended on an improbable low, Kasatkina will look to turn that around as she opens her season at the Brisbane International, starting January 4.
In 2023, Kasatkina’s performance fluctuated. She charged her way to the second week at Roland Garros. On top of that, she made it to the third round of both Wimbledon and the US Open. Her efforts translated to her first fourth-round showing at Melbourne Park. Soon after, she made this official by announcing her decision to play for Australia, effective in March. This means she is currently ineligible to compete in the Billie Jean King Cup for Australia. That is because she recently switched her national affiliation.
Kasatkina is not the first to pull the pin on her 2023 season—she announced her withdrawal in early-October, citing “emotional and mental stress.” She openly acknowledged her struggles, stating, “I’ve been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances show that.” In a candid reflection, she expressed that she had reached a breaking point: “Truth is, I’ve hit a wall and can’t continue. I need a break.”
As she prepares for the upcoming Australian Open, speculation suggests that Kasatkina may feature on Rod Laver Arena, a significant platform for any player. Her fellow Australian player Storm Hunter commented on the transition Kasatkina faces, saying, “It’ll definitely be a new thing for her.”
Hunter also recognized Kasatkina’s ability to handle pressure. What’s important, though, he noted, is the support of her new teammates when it comes to ensuring her success going forward. “I don’t think she needs any tips from us. She’s been in a ton of high pressure situations like this,” Hunter said. Having supporting players lighten the load of those first awkward minutes and some of the anxiety. “I think the biggest thing is just showing her that she has our support,” she added.
Kasatkina’s spunky personality should play well in front of Australian crowds. Hunter remarked, “The crowds will love her because she is such a very nice person, very open, honest, she wears her heart on her sleeve.” Despite the anticipated nerves that come with competing at a major tournament, Hunter believes Kasatkina will handle the challenge well: “She will definitely feel nervous, but she’s going to be just fine.”
