Tennis player Daria Kasatkina has spoken about her relationship with the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) following her decision to represent Australia.
The world No. 15, who started competing under the Australian flag in late March, shared her thoughts in an interview with Anna Chakvetadze.
“The news about changing my flag caught many by surprise,” Kasatkina noted. She discussed the public reaction, stating she received a significant amount of support, both from her close circle and the international tennis community. Notably, she also received many warm and positive messages from people in Russia who expressed understanding for her difficult decision, viewing it as necessary for her future.
Kasatkina also shared how her colleagues reacted. At the Charleston tournament, where the news was announced, many players congratulated her, often with playful teasing about her new nationality. She specifically mentioned informing Dasha Gavrilova the day before the announcement, who reacted by saying she had somewhat anticipated the move based on their previous conversations.
Regarding official bodies, Kasatkina confirmed receiving messages from officials within the WTA and other national federations, but stated that the Russian federation did not contact her.
She revealed that she had not been in communication with the Russian Tennis Federation for several years prior to making her decision. Kasatkina described her relationship with the RTF as “neutral,” explaining it was never particularly “warm.” She emphasized that while she always played for herself and for her country, her interaction and connection with the federation itself remained distant.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Marcus Blakely