Daria Kasatkina Reflects on "Magical" Wedding to Natalia Zabiiako Amidst Return to Tennis
Daria Kasatkina, the celebrated tennis professional, recently opened up about her enchanting wedding to former figure skater and long-term partner, Natalia Zabiiako. The ceremony, which she described as the "best moment" of her life thus far, took place in the serene landscapes of Greece, bridging the gap between her Wimbledon appearance and the North American hardcourt season. This personal celebration, filled with love and camaraderie, has since been followed by a renewed focus on her competitive tennis career.
Daria Kasatkina's Heartfelt Nuptials and Return to the Court
On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, tennis star Daria Kasatkina publicly shared her overwhelming joy regarding her recent marriage to Natalia Zabiiako. The wedding, a vibrant and unconventional affair, welcomed fellow WTA players such as Mirra Andreeva, Nadiia Kichenok, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Kamilla Rakhimova, Arina Rodionova, and Yuliia Starodubtseva, highlighting a shared spirit of love, friendship, and personal freedom. Kasatkina candidly expressed that the four-day celebration in Greece with close friends and family was an unparalleled experience, one she frequently revisits in her mind, calling it "magical."
Following this deeply personal and joyous occasion, Kasatkina is now channeling her energy back into the world of professional tennis. She is slated to compete in the DC Open, a WTA 500 event, having successfully navigated the qualifying rounds. This route, she noted, offers a unique advantage, providing more match play opportunities with reduced pressure, which is particularly beneficial for adapting to the fast courts and swift balls characteristic of the US swing. Kasatkina also shed light on her recent change in national affiliation, switching from Russia to Australia in early 2025 due to safety concerns regarding anti-LGBTQ+ laws in her former country. This transition, initially challenging, has brought her a newfound sense of peace and a re-evaluation of her priorities, emphasizing the importance of life outside of tennis and her connections with loved ones, some of whom she apologized to for past sacrifices made for her career.
The wedding itself was a testament to the couple's desire for a celebration free from strict traditions. Kasatkina revealed their decision to forgo conventional rituals, opting instead for a party-like atmosphere where boundaries were non-existent. A poignant moment included distributing individual flowers from the bridal bouquet to guests, symbolizing shared happiness rather than competitive vying. Despite anticipating potential criticism, Kasatkina affirmed their resilience, stating that their "thick skin" allowed them to celebrate authentically, embracing the true meaning of freedom and doing what felt right for them.
This event underscores the evolving landscape of professional sports, where athletes increasingly balance intense career demands with personal well-being and identity. Kasatkina's journey, from personal happiness to professional commitment, serves as an inspiring narrative of authenticity and resilience.