Daria Kasatkina is back in form, and her performances at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open are turning heads. After a challenging start to 2026, the former world No. 8 has won consecutive matches for the first time since August, including a dominant 6-4, 6-0 victory over No. 16 seed Elise Mertens and a straight-sets win against Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
Kasatkina credits part of her renewed energy to the ongoing Winter Olympic Games, where she has been following her partner Natalia Zabiiako’s captivating performances. Zabiiako, a former Olympian in figure skating, recently debuted a groundbreaking same-sex partnership with Olympic ice dance champion Gabriella Papadakis, earning viral acclaim. Kasatkina has drawn inspiration from her partner’s artistry and competitive drive, saying that watching Zabiiako on the ice has reignited her own competitive spark.
The Russian-born, now Australian citizen, admitted that the start of the year was difficult. Across the Australian swing, she won only one match in three tournaments and faced a first-round exit at the Australian Open. “It was just a continuous feeling of how I’ve felt for the last season, for the last year,” Kasatkina said, reflecting on a period of struggle. Her recent results in Doha, however, show the payoff of months of dedication and training.
Off the court, Kasatkina has been exploring Winter Olympic sports herself, though cautiously. She enjoys skating and other disciplines but remains aware of the risks. “Honestly, the Winter Olympic sports are dangerous! They’re either dangerous or boring,” she admitted with a laugh, highlighting the contrast between her cautious exploration and her fearless court play.
Kasatkina’s blend of Eastern European grit and relaxed Australian outlook is helping her find balance. “On the tennis court, I think I’m just pretty much stuck in an Eastern Europe mentality. It’s difficult to change,” she said. “In life, it’s definitely the best approach ever. I’m trying to get it more and more.” This mindset may be key as she faces top-seeded Iga Swiatek in a potential third-round clash.
With renewed confidence and Olympic-inspired focus, Kasatkina is proving she can combine her mental resilience with newfound energy. Her performances in Doha mark a turning point in her early-season campaign, and fans will be watching closely to see if she can carry this momentum deeper into the tournament.
