New Aussie's heart-warming interview after first home win

Daria Kasatkina has claimed her first win on Australian soil after switching her allegiance in 2025.

In the first round of the Adelaide International, Kasatkina defeated Maria Sakkari 7-6(7), 6-4 to progress through to the round of 16.

The 28-year-old sealed her win with a clinical shot down the baseline off the former world No.3's serve to help her find form ahead of the Australian Open.

Watch every match from the Adelaide International, and Australian Open qualifying live and free on 9Now.

The world No.48 came into the Adelaide International off the back of a first round loss to Anastasia Potapova in Brisbane and was still searching for that first win in her new homeland.

Kasatkina claims first win on Aussie soil

Kasatkina previously represented Russia before being granted permanent residency in Australia.

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Upon claiming victory, Kasatkina was interviewed on court and asked how it felt to find that maiden feat.

"Honestly, I was waiting for this moment all summer," she said with a smile on Nine's coverage.

"I was super nervous coming from Brisbane and losing a tough match there and then seeing the draw here and thinking, 'oh Dasha, what did you expect from such a strong tournament?'

"I am honestly over the moon right now, it's so special, you guys (the fans) make it special, thank you so much. A super special day for me, I really wanted to finally experience this feeling of winning a match in front of a home crowd. Honestly, it feels pretty addictive."

Kasatkina added she's always been "very, very jealous" of Australian players due to the support from fans.

"They've got this privilege to play in front of the home crowd at a home slam, but I never expected to be one of them," she said.

2026 Adelaide International Highlights: Daria Kasatkina vs Maria Sakkari

Kasatkina will play Jaqueline Cristian next in the round of 16.

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