Daria Kasatkina Bio
Daria Sergeyevna Kasatkina is a Russian-born Australian professional tennis player. She has been ranked as high as world No. 8 in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association, achieved in October 2022. Kasatkina has won eight Women’s Tennis Association Tour singles titles and one title in doubles. Her best results at major tournaments include reaching the semifinals of the 2022 French Open and the quarterfinals of Wimbledon in 2018.
Early Life and Background
Daria Kasatkina was born on May 7, 1997, in Tolyatti, Russia, to Tatyana Borisovna and Sergey Igorevich Kasatkin. Tolyatti is an industrial city located about 1000 kilometers southeast of Moscow. Both of her parents were nationally ranked athletes in Russia; her mother competed in athletics, while her father played ice hockey. Kasatkina has an older brother named Alexandr, who played tennis casually and encouraged her to start playing the sport at the age of six. Initially, she trained two to three times a week, but as her talent became evident, her parents made significant sacrifices, including selling their house to fund her training when she was around 12 years old.
Path to Tennis
Daria Kasatkina began competing on the International Tennis Federation Junior Circuit shortly after turning 14. She quickly ascended the ranks, winning her first title at a low-level event in Samara. In 2014, she achieved notable success by winning the girls’ singles title at the French Open, becoming the first Russian girl to do so since Nadia Petrova in 1998. This victory helped her gain recognition and led to her professional debut in 2014.
Daria Kasatkina Career
Early Career (2014–2015)
Kasatkina turned professional in 2014 and made her main-draw debut at the Kremlin Cup. She won her first career title at a low-level event in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, and followed it up with a $25k title in Telavi, Georgia. By the end of 2015, she had climbed to No. 72 in the world rankings, thanks to her performance at the Kremlin Cup, where she reached the semifinals and defeated world No. 14 Carla Suárez Navarro.
Breakthrough (2016–2018)
In 2016, Kasatkina reached her first top-ten victory against Venus Williams at the Auckland Open. She continued to rise in the rankings, reaching No. 32 while still 18 years old. Her breakthrough year came in 2018 when she reached the final at the Indian Wells Open, defeating several top players, including Caroline Wozniacki and Venus Williams. This performance propelled her into the top 10, making her the highest-ranked Russian female player at that time. She also won the Kremlin Cup in October 2018, solidifying her status as a top player.
Notable Works and Milestones
Daria Kasatkina’s signature work includes her performance at the 2022 French Open, where she reached the semifinals. She has won eight WTA singles titles and has been recognized for her crafty style of play, which relies on speed and tactical intelligence rather than sheer power.
Daria Kasatkina Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Daria Kasatkina has received several nominations for her outstanding performances on the WTA Tour, particularly during her rise in the rankings and her success in major tournaments.
Daria Kasatkina Awards Won
Daria Kasatkina has won multiple awards throughout her career, including eight WTA singles titles and one doubles title, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.
Daria Kasatkina Family
Daria Kasatkina comes from a supportive family background, with both parents being athletes. Her father, Sergey, is an engineer, and her mother, Tatyana, was a lawyer. She has a close relationship with her older brother, Alexandr, who played a role in introducing her to tennis.
Personal Life
Daria Kasatkina is currently in a relationship with Natalia Zabiiako, an Olympic figure skater. The couple has been open about their relationship and has shared glimpses of their life together through a popular YouTube vlog series. Kasatkina has also been vocal about her views on LGBTQ+ rights and has expressed her support for the community, especially in light of the challenges faced in Russia. She announced her engagement to Zabiiako in June 2025. Kasatkina’s decision to switch nationalities to represent Australia in 2025 reflects her commitment to her career and personal beliefs.
