Daria Kasatkina, the ninth seed at the Australian Open 2025, embraced a unique offseason after a brief stint at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Fresh off the court, she traded the intensity of competitive tennis for relaxation and exploration, embarking on a vacation that spanned from the sun-kissed beaches of the Maldives to the frosty streets of Tallinn, Estonia, where her partner, figure skater Natalia Zabiiako, was born.

 

Kasatkina described their getaway as a delightful blend of experiences—"We mixed it up with beach holiday and cold, winter stuff," she shared with wtatennis.com. The two-and-a-half-week break, however, felt fleeting for the Russian tennis star. “Honestly, it’s a flash — I just close my eyes and open them and it’s time again to start,” she reflected, showcasing her eagerness to return to the competitive arena.

 

A Strong Start in Melbourne

Before she knew it, Kasatkina was back in action, having already competed in Brisbane and Adelaide before arriving at the Australian Open. Her performances in these early tournaments set the stage for a promising return, with her current form shining through as she breezed past Wang Yafan in the second round with a decisive 6-2, 6-0 victory.

 

Looking back on her 2024 season, Kasatkina expressed satisfaction, having finished within the Top 10 for the second consecutive year. Her successes included titles at prestigious events in Eastbourne and Ningbo, where she notably defeated higher-ranked opponents in the semifinals. Additionally, she reached four WTA Tour 500 finals, showcasing her consistent performance throughout the season.

 

Room for Improvement

Despite her achievements, Kasatkina acknowledged the need for growth in handling high-pressure situations at major tournaments. “Unfortunately, it was consistent not on the big events,” she admitted. “I would say this is something which I have to work on." While her physical game remained strong, she highlighted the emotional challenges posed by Grand Slams and emphasized the importance of refining the finer details of her play.

 

As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly anticipate her next matches, confident that her determination and skill will continue to shine through.

 

Exciting Matches Ahead

The Australian Open has seen thrilling matchups as the third-round matches unfold, particularly in the bottom half of the draw. Notable matches include a highly anticipated clash between No.2 Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu. Their contrasting experiences illustrate the fascinating narratives in women's tennis. Swiatek, a seasoned competitor, boasts an impressive record, having reached the third round in 20 consecutive majors, while Raducanu celebrates her first Australian Open third round appearance—an exciting moment for the former U.S. Open champion.

 

“I Don’t Have Much Expectation”

Reflecting on her upcoming match against Swiatek, Raducanu stated, "It’s going to be a match for me where I feel like I don’t really have much expectation externally." Her calm approach and focus on playing her game could prove advantageous against the more experienced Swiatek.

 

Other compelling matches feature Jasmine Paolini looking to make history against Elina Svitolina and Elena Rybakina aiming for continued success against Dayana Yastremska. Each match promises high stakes and the potential for memorable moments in what has already been an electrifying tournament.

 

Kasatkina vs. Putintseva

On the horizon, Kasatkina faces Yulia Putintseva, a matchup that feels promising for the Russian. Kasatkina’s past victories against Putintseva—two out of three encounters—provide added confidence as she navigates this critical stage of the tournament. As fans rally behind their favorites, the anticipation builds for a thrilling weekend of tennis in Melbourne.

 

Daria Kasatkina’s journey through contrasting climates mirrors her dynamic career—full of highs, opportunities for growth, and the thrill of competition. As the Australian Open advances, tennis enthusiasts watch closely, eager to see how she harnesses her experiences into success on the grand stage.