'IT'S MY HOME NOW': KASATKINA TO FLY BACK TO MELBOURNE, TALKS BJK CUP ELIGIBILITY

(Getty/Clive Brunskill)

As each tournament passes, Australia is getting to know world No.18 Daria Kasatkina a little better.

The 2018 Wimbledon quarter-finalist succumbed to a 2-6, 3-6 defeat against 16th-seed Liudmila Samsonova in the third-round overnight amid multiple rain delays.

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Samsonova has yet to concede more than three games in a set throughout The Championships, and her Aussie opponent was wary of what to expect.

"I knew that it's going to be very tough… she's in great shape, winning a lot, especially on grass, and her game… It's very good on this surface," she confessed post-match.

"Of course, I think I could do better on my side, but I also have to give her credit. She played a very, very good match.

"Her serve is one of the most dangerous ones on tour. A few times, I looked [at] the speed, it was about 170 miles per hour… We all know her game is super aggressive… I didn't feel like she was giving me any gifts today."

In March, Kasatkina announced her allegiance switch from Russia to Australia, gaining permanent residency to relocate to Melbourne.

Having appeared in 10 consecutive Australian Open main draws, the 28-year-old has only ever stepped foot down under in the scorching heat, but is now ready to settle into her new home.

"Now I'm just managing the flights, and when it's like in the next couple of days, I'm going to fly, yes, to Australia. I know that it's winter there, so I think first time… not I think… the first time in my life, I'm going to experience Australian winter, not the summer," said Kasatkina.

"It's my home now, so I have to accept it. I mean, this place accepted me."

She is good friends with fellow Aussie Daria Saville, who was also born in Russia, and the latter was approached for advice on buying a house in her home city of Melbourne.

"[Daria] tried to help, but I think I have to do it myself, because all she gave me was her location," Kasatkina shared. "I was like, 'Is there anything else?' [and] she's like, 'Go find yourself.' If you are not happy with my advice, go find yourself. I was like, 'Okay, I will do it myself.'"

As the countdown continues towards Australia's Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in November, there is still lingering doubt concerning Kasatkina's eligibility to represent the green and gold.

The former world No.8 won the 2021 BJK Cup title under the Russian flag, but there are more steps in the process before she can make her debut.

"I need to become a citizen first… after that, they can move forward, but before that, there is not much room for progress," Kasatkina revealed.

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