Kasatkina: "I have gone through a tough year, I need to get out of the hole"

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 4 Jan 2026 | 16.30

Kasatkina: "I have gone through a difficult year, I have to get out of the hole." Photo: Getty

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It will soon be a year since Daria Kasatkina confirmed her change of nationality from Russian to Australian. Since then, despite the great joy this change brought to the life of the world number 40 in the WTA Ranking, Daria has not managed to take off, even taking some forced breaks due to pressure.

Expectations and the level of attention changed drastically for Kasatkina, who is still getting used to what this meant. The Australian player spoke about this and much more after losing in her debut at the WTA Brisbane 2025, where she couldn't win a tough battle against Anastasia Potapova.

"I felt great, the court was full. I couldn't get the result I wanted, but overall, I think the match was pretty good and entertaining. Obviously, it's not how I wanted to start the season, but well, in tennis, there's no tie, there's a winner and a loser."

Kasatkina's Nerves in Australia and Her Tough Moment

"It was very emotional. It was tough, but at the same time, I was super nervous, but also very excited to go. There was a mix of everything. The crowd was great, and honestly, I felt all the support. I tried my best today, but it wasn't enough. Also, I faced a tough opponent. I think she played very well today.

I almost cried when I walked onto the court and heard the cheers of support, but I managed to control myself. I really wanted to win and feel that extra energy at the end of the match, but unfortunately, it didn't happen. I've been through a tough year, so now I'm fine, but still, I have to climb out of this hole. It's never easy. I've faced these kinds of challenges a couple of times in my career. It's a tough task, but it has to be done."

Kasatkina and the Pressure

"Last year was too much for me, in many aspects of life and also on the court. Of course, I know that nobody pressures me. I put the pressure on myself because I want to prove myself, I want to represent Australia, prove it with results. When it doesn't happen, I feel bad. Although I know no one expects me to, I expect it from myself, I want to return the favor to the country.

I'm the one putting this weight on my shoulders because I'm getting to know the Australian mentality and more, and I know that people here support me simply because they want to. They don't expect you to win a Grand Slam tomorrow, but it's also just my way of being. It puts a lot of pressure on me, but that's how I was raised and how I played throughout my career. I have to carry this weight and try to give my best."

About the Change of Nationality of Russian Players

"We see that many Russians have changed. By the end of the year, there were already three or four girls who had done it. Obviously, each had their reasons. We see everything that's happening. Honestly, I don't know if there will be more because everyone keeps these things secret until the last moment. I honestly don't know, there have been many who changed. So maybe yes, maybe no. As I said, these are confidential matters, and I don't know anything about gossip."