Daria Kasatkina Returns to Eastbourne: Title Defense Amid Controversy
Daria Kasatkina is back in Eastbourne, ready to defend her title, but the world No. 16 is expressing her disappointment over the tournament’s recent downgrade in status. This year, the Eastbourne Open has shifted from a WTA 500 event to a WTA 250, a change that has raised eyebrows among players and fans alike.
Earlier this month, the women’s tour made its long-awaited return to the Queen’s Club in London—its first appearance since 1973—hosting a WTA 500 event. However, this switch resulted in fewer ranking points available at Eastbourne, which has impacted the participation of top players. Under WTA rules, only one top-10 player can enter a WTA 250 event, and those ranked in the top 30 face restrictions if another WTA 500 tournament is happening simultaneously. This week, the Bad Homburg Open is also taking place, further limiting competition at Eastbourne.
Expressing her thoughts upon her arrival on the Sussex coast, Kasatkina said, “That sucks, honestly. I don’t understand this decision.” She emphasized the historic significance of Eastbourne, noting, “It’s one of the oldest tournaments we have on tour, always a 500. I just didn’t see the reason for the downgrade to 250.”
Kasatkina pointed out that the tournament typically attracts strong fields and offers a convenient transition to London for players. She also highlighted the inconsistency in WTA policies, stating, “For example, on the ATP side, there’s no issue with having two 500s in the same week. I honestly don’t see why it’s a problem for us.”
The Russian-born player, who now represents Australia, believes that even if top players were not limited from entering a WTA 250 event, many would likely avoid Eastbourne post-downgrade. “The top players prefer WTA 500 events because they usually receive byes, while at 250s, we don’t have that advantage,” she explained. “So you end up playing more matches for fewer points, which makes it less appealing overall.”
Despite these challenges, Kasatkina expressed her excitement about returning to Eastbourne. “While it’s unfortunate that this beautiful tournament has been downgraded, it continues to improve each year,” she noted, acknowledging the increased prize money, which is the highest for a WTA 250 event on the calendar. “The organizers are doing their best, and I truly love this tournament. The crowd and the atmosphere here are amazing, and I enjoy the city as well. Coming back is always a joy for me.”
As Kasatkina gears up for her first-round match against Lulu Sun—a talented grass-court player who reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals last year—she remains motivated not only to defend her title but also to extend her stay in the charming town of Eastbourne.
Stay tuned as she embarks on this exciting journey in her title defense!
