Daria Kasatkina returns to WTA action after wedding as fans defend her stance

Daria Kasatkina, the Australian tennis star and outspoken critic of Russia’s war in Ukraine, returns to WTA action at the Washington Open this week after marrying her longtime partner Natalia Zabiiako.

What happened at Kasatkina’s wedding?

Kasatkina tied the knot with Zabiiako in a private ceremony attended by close friends, including several fellow tennis players. The guest list featured athletes from Russia and Ukraine, sparking debate online. Ukrainian player Oleksandra Oliynykova publicly questioned why Ukrainian athletes attended the event, citing the sport’s stance against engaging with Russian and Belarusian players amid the ongoing conflict.

Why fans sided with Kasatkina

Social media erupted as fans defended Kasatkina’s anti-war position and her 2022 decision to renounce Russian citizenship and relocate to Australia. Critics labeled Oliynykova’s criticism as intrusive and politically tone-deaf, arguing her stance ignored the personal nature of the celebration. “Dasha said she is against the war, switched nationality to Australia,” wrote one X user. “What is the problem if her Ukrainian friends went to her wedding?”

The Ukrainian backlash and Kasatkina’s stance

Oliynykova’s Instagram post singled out Ukrainian players Nadia Kichenok and Yuliia Starodubtseva for attending the wedding, drawing sharp rebukes from fans. Some Ukrainian supporters agreed with Oliynykova’s concerns, while others called her behavior excessive. “Calling out your compatriots on Instagram is kinda low,” said one fan. “I don’t understand why she didn’t just message them privately.”

What comes next for Kasatkina?

Kasatkina took a break from competition to focus on her wedding but will return at the WTA 500 event in Washington, starting on 17 July 2026. Meanwhile, Oliynykova continues her breakthrough season, ranked No. 52 and competing at the Iasi Open in Romania, where she reached the semifinals after wins over Ipek Oz, Elena Pridankina, and Clara Burel. She faces Mayar Sherif in the next round.