Daria Kasatkina received a rather warm welcome upon her return to the United Kingdom and she was very happy about that.
As a Russian, Daria Kasatkina was barred from playing at any tennis events in the UK last year missing Wimbledon. It was a decision she came to terms with rather quickly explaining that she understands and accepts it. She expressed that some things are simply more important than tennis which ultimately is true.
This year marked the return of Russians to the UK and Kasatkina in particular was rather warmly welcomed. She's been quite outspoken, probably the most outspoken alongside Rublev against the war in Ukraine. The universe conspired to have her first match back against a Ukranian, Anhelina Kalinina.
It was an easy win for the Russian who respected the Ukrainian player's position to not shake hands with Russians though we didn't see the crowd boo because of that. The French Open crowd booed all players who didn't shake hands including Kasatkina who played Svitolina at the event.
She talked about it after that match and while they didn't shake hands, they exchanged a thumbs up especially because of Kasatkina's outspoken stance. There were no booes for the Russian in Eastbourne and she was rather happy about it.
Of course feels much better to experience something like I experienced today, that, I mean, because the situation is pretty obvious. The stand of the players from Ukraine was pretty clear, and we have to accept it and respect this position. Yeah, we have to do it and also fans they have to expect this. Yeah, was glad to have this kind of reaction here.
Roland Garros was different because she was booed off the court after not shaking hands with Svitolina and that was tough for the Russian. She loves clay the most out of all surfaces and that Grand Slam is her favourite one so leaving the court that way was tough.
Well, of course it was a bit tough to leaving Roland Garros, my favorite tournament, the way I was leaving the court. But I understand that maybe in France the fans there not so much involved in the situation like they do here in UK, so that's my explanation.
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