MELBOURNE, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Russia-born Daria Kasatkina said Saturday she could "finally breathe" and called it a "special chapter" as she readies for her first Australian Open as a home player. With the expectation comes pressure, but Kasatkina -- who reached the fourth round last year -- is determined to enjoy the occasion as a fully-fledged Australian. Kasatkina ended her 2025 season early, having said in October that "mentally and emotionally I am at breaking point". "I've got a lot of support, but also I got a lot of critics, you know, from the other side. The Australian Open begins on Sunday.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 17, 2026 04:32 UTC