'Fits everything Aussie': Ajla Tomljanovic embraces Russian defector Daria Kasatkina
Ajla Tomljanovic has embraced Daria Kasatkina's decision to defect from Russia to Australia, giving her new countrywoman a warm reception.
On Saturday, Kasatkina, a Russian native, announced that she had been granted permanent residency in Australia and, therefore, would begin representing her adopted homeland on the WTA tour from the upcoming WTA 500 event in Charleston.
Tuesday marked the world No.12's first official day with Australian status as she prepares to begin her campaign at the Charleston Open.
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Daria Kasatkina celebrates her victory in the third round at the 2025 Australian Open. Robert Prange via Getty Images
With her WTA Tour profile updated, Kasatkina has immediately become Australia's top-ranked player, ahead of Kim Birrell (62), Maya Joint (81), Tomljanovic (87) and Olivia Gadecki (100).
Speaking to media, Tomljanovic confessed that Kasatkina's switch "came out of nowhere" for her.
"I had no idea, but I'm thrilled," she said.
"I think she's an amazing person, an amazing player and I just want her to be able to play for us — in the BJK Cup (Billie Jean King Cup) and Olympics.
"I think that she is an incredible addition. But even as a person, I just think she fits everything Aussie, so I'm excited for her."
Similarly, Tomljanovic previously competed for her birth nation, Croatia, before defecting to Australia in 2013.
Daria Kasatkina and Ajla Tomljanovic play a women's double match together at the 2019 Wuhan Open. VCG/VCG via Getty Images
Having adopted Brisbane as her home city Down Under, Tomljanovic was confident that Kasatkina would quickly adapt to the Australian lifestyle and culture.
"My biggest thing is I was just very grateful — and I'm sure she will be as well," she said.
"But at the same time, just be yourself, you know? Because she's already great as she is."
Tomljanovic continued: "The reason why she switched, probably, is she wanted something better [from her previous country] — and she definitely got it.
"I mean, still to this day, I always say it was the best decision I've made [to switch to Australia]. So I'm sure she'll feel the same way."
Tomljanovic was also certain that Kasatkina would be received with open arms as her personality is already quintessentially Australian.
"She fights on the court [and] at the same time, she's chill," she said
"She loves her coffee. I always see that she susses out the coffee spots in a lot of the cities we go to.
"I also always got the vibe when she was in Australia for the Aussie swing that she just loved it there. And yeah, I can see her also fitting in so well with our team."
In her pre-tournament press conference, Kasatkina revealed that her longtime friend Daria Saville — who also defected from Russia to Australia in 2013 — was very excited to have her on board.
"Dash [Saville] is talking non-stop," she said with a grin.
"Since I announced, she's [been] non-stop. On the phone, she calls me, then she keeps sending me some stuff like apartments and houses around her location [in Melbourne].
Daria Saville (née Gavrilova) and Daria Kasatkina feature in a women's double match at Wimbledon in 2016. Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
Kasatkina jested: "She's so excited; I'm scared".
A former Roland-Garros semi-finalist, Kasatkina will not be immediately eligible to represent Australia in some international competitions, such as the Billie Jean King Cup, as the International Tennis Federation outlaws players from representing multiple countries when they are not a citizen.
Kasatkina's first match under the Australian flag will be on Thursday (AEDT) against American Lauren Davis.
