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Christian Montegan • May 13th, 2025 7:30 pm
"Tennis is in my blood. My passion for the sport, and especially for seeing it thrive in Australia, runs deep. I want to make tennis better in this country—not perfect, but better. We have so much potential. We have a rich history.
"But right now, there's a growing frustration among organisations, coaches, and players. And that frustration often stems from a system that appears to prioritise established overseas players over long-term development in Australia. It’s time we dig deeper into the root of the problem."
Those passionate words are from Australian doubles player Alicia Smith, who believes it is time to discuss the important issues and provide realistic solutions to amend the Australian tennis system.
Most recently, world No.15 and former French Open semi-finalist Daria Kasatkina revealed surprising news in March, announcing her decision to switch allegiance from Russia to Australia.
"Australia is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally home. I love being in Melbourne and look forward to making my home there," she wrote in an Instagram post.
"Australia is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally home. I love being in Melbourne and look forward to making my home there," she wrote in an Instagram post.
Unlike other players who have converted, it is worth noting that Tennis Australia didn't offer Kasatkina a contract, and she won't be taking anything away from other Aussie players from a wildcard and financial outlook.
"I'm not saying whether someone should or shouldn't have the right to represent another country, especially in Australia, where we pride ourselves on being welcoming and multicultural. I completely understand it from that perspective," Smith told The First Serve.
"We're incredibly fortunate as a nation to be in a position to support someone like Dasha in leaving a difficult situation behind."
UNFAIR SYSTEM
But this is a situation that runs far deeper, and with "nothing to lose", the doubles world No.437 is prepared to be a voice for change.
"I'm never going to be seen at 28 as the next big thing, and that's okay with me, but being an Australian player and also going into coaching myself in my later years of my playing career, I just feel it's important to speak out about the challenges we face, explore ways to address them, and work together to create positive change," Smith said.
Kasatkina, 28, adds to a long list of names who have changed allegiances to the green and gold, including Daria Saville, Ajla Tomljanović and Arina Rodionova, just to name a few.
"Tennis Australia is now having junior overseas athletes join the system. It's not just happening at an ATP or WTA level anymore," Smith added.
With a ranking inside the top-15, there is bound to be more attention placed on Kasatkina.
The issue is not Dasha herself. This has been happening for decades. Tennis Australia has a history of adopting already-established overseas players—some through financial incentives, others not. In Kasatkina's case, despite no financial incentive involved, according to Smith, the perception among many Australian players, coaches, and academics is clear: we’re bringing in success rather than building it ourselves.
The issue is not Dasha herself. This has been happening for decades. Tennis Australia has a history of adopting already-established overseas players—some through financial incentives, others not. In Kasatkina's case, despite no financial incentive involved, according to Smith, the perception among many Australian players, coaches, and academics is clear: we’re bringing in success rather than building it ourselves.
"This approach can feel like a slap in the face to homegrown athletes who've spent their lives grinding for recognition," she said.
"Take Kim Birrell, for example—a hardworking Australian who reached the top-100. The pride of being Australia’s No.1 can’t be overstated. But when that position is taken by someone who wasn't part of the same journey, it’s disheartening. Kim deserves that recognition for all of her hard work and resilience, especially with her major injuries that pushed her back."
NO 1 STATUS VANISHED
In the final third of 2024, Birrell achieved a lifelong dream as she earned the right to call herself Australia's No.1 female singles player.
Yet, in a split second, without any warning, her Aussie No.1 status vanished.
"Some of the Aussie players I've spoken to feel let down by their own country," said Smith.
"When they see international players being fast-tracked to represent Australia, it feels like a slap in the face. No matter how hard they work or how much they achieve, they're still overlooked and left with nothing.
"It's the little things that can make a big difference—like creating more cohesion across all states so that juniors, WTA, and ATP players can have some level of access to the national academies and their facilities. Not necessarily every day, but regular inclusion, whether it’s hitting sessions with academy athletes, access to performance data, or being aligned with tournament calendars. It would go a long way in building a more connected and supportive pathway.
"Right now, the culture feels fragmented, with athletes often working in isolation rather than supporting one another. But there's a real opportunity to shift that—to build a stronger sense of unity and create an environment where collaboration and mutual support help everyone thrive. Shouldn't one person's success be something we rally around? And when someone improves, shouldn't that motivate all of us to lift our game as well, right here at home?
"At what point do we start prioritising the development and recognition of our own homegrown talent, rather than relying on international players to represent us? Dasha is just one example in a long-standing pattern, and while her presence is valued, it can be disheartening when there is promising talent already here in Australia."
Needless to say, Tennis Australia want to discover and produce the next Ash Barty.
Since 2022, the governing body has committed to a five-year plan to achieve gender equality and close the gender pay gap.
As of September 2024, prize money awarded to women at Australian professional tournaments and endorsed events stands at 50.5 per cent, with the participation budget split evenly between women and men.
Pathways are offered to players aged 11-17 through Tennis Australia's National Development Program (NDP), an initiative designed to develop the country's next talent along the way.
Tennis Australia outlines the importance of shaping the culture within the NDP in their brochure, stating: "We shape our culture by fostering collaboration, working as a multidisciplinary team with defined roles and the courage to engage in meaningful, challenging conversations. We model our core values through continuous growth and innovation. Driven by passion, we aim to inspire each player by focusing on their potential, empowering them to become more than they are today."
THE HEARTBREAK
Sometimes, the talent just isn't there for a particular generation. The other three Grand Slam nations (US, France and the UK) aren't producing quality depth either.
But for all of the positive work put into action by Tennis Australia, perhaps, they are not doing absolutely everything in their power to maximise potential.
"It's heartbreaking to watch," Smith said. "Players can switch countries and almost overnight get the support, the spotlight, and the opportunities, while Aussie players who've poured their lives into the sport are left in the shadows, constantly overlooked no matter how hard they work or what they achieve.
"That kind of attention and opportunity could truly change the course of a local player's career if given the chance. There needs to be a clear and transparent process in place, particularly around when a player changes national representation, before they begin receiving rankings recognition in the country, funding, and prominent coverage on social media.
"We understand that Tennis Australia is a business. We understand that profit matters. If the system doesn't generate revenue, it can't fund grassroots programs or future stars. But there has to be balance. If profit comes at the cost of identity, culture, and local talent, we're doing something wrong.
"We should be showcasing our talented athletes. They deserve to be recognised for their hard work and success. That’s not just good for morale—it's good for the future of Australian tennis.
"We need a culture shift that supports the full journey of Australian tennis players, from juniors through to the pro ranks. We need to invest in systems that develop skills, resilience, and a deep connection to the game. We need to recognise and nurture our homegrown stars—not just when they break through, but long before that.
"This isn't about pitting players against each other. It's about the culture that’s being cultivated. Right now, the environment feels fractured. There's a lack of unity, a lack of shared purpose. Instead of the mentality that 'when one of us succeeds, we all do', it feels like we're being pitted against each other for a limited spotlight. This kind of culture is not just unsupportive—it's unsustainable."
DEEP ISSUES WITH THE SYSTEM
Alicia Smith (right) competing in the 2025 Mildura doubles event alongside Victorian Belle Thompson (left).
An argument can be raised concerning 16-year-old Australian Emerson Jones, the current junior world No.1, touted as the country's next big hope.
While her success is commendable, Smith notes that talent like Jones should be emerging more regularly, indicating deeper issues within the development system.
One contributing factor is the reliance on a single Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) to manage issues regarding harassment, abuse, and player welfare. In the past, there was someone who regularly travelled with players on the Australia tour, providing vital support year-round—a presence that's now notably missing.
Given the sport's expensive reality, Smith's vision is to see more ITF events held in Australia "to grow and nurture Australian talent locally" before the need to reside overseas to seek opportunities and elevate to the next level.
If that vision is to blossom, serious change and investment are desperately required. With the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane approaching, what better time to enhance improvement?
"The emotional weight on young Aussie players—especially the girls—is heavier than ever," she revealed. "Sensitivity, understanding, and genuine investment in their journey could go a long way. And what doesn’t have to be purely financial either. The current model feels transactional, not developmental.
"I have seen it firsthand—Australian women on tour struggling emotionally after a loss, skipping meals, crying for hours, or sometimes staying in their hotel rooms for days. Many feel their value is tied only to winning.
STOP CHASING QUICK FIXES
Smith, like all Australian tennis fans, would love nothing more than to know that players from all age groups are exposed to equitable treatment.
Having been involved in the sport for almost 15 years, both as a player and a coach, her views deserve awareness and recognition.
If all parties can unite as one collective, quite frankly, the results should speak for themselves.
"I’m not placing all the responsibility on Tennis Australia," Smith confirmed. "I genuinely believe that if they sat down with the right people and made a few thoughtful adjustments to what they're already doing, it could make a real difference.
"For example, if they invested in academies or families that are already successfully developing players, rather than moving those athletes out of their current environment, that would be a small but powerful step forward.
"That said, accountability shouldn’t lie solely with the organisation. As a sport that’s constantly evolving, we—coaches, parents, and players alike—also need to evolve. We all share responsibility for the current culture, and we all have a role in improving it.
"Still, the system does need to reflect on the impact of repeatedly prioritising and promoting overseas players over homegrown ones. Without a shift toward genuinely supporting and showcasing our own talent, it will be difficult to build trust and foster the kind of positive culture we all want for Australian tennis.
"Let's stop chasing quick fixes. Let's stop patching holes with imported talent and start reinforcing the foundation. Let's support the athletes who have already committed their lives to this sport in this country. Let's make tennis in Australia not just better for one player, but better for all of us."
The First Serve reached out to Tennis Australia for comment, as they referred to an official statement after confirmation about Kasatkina's nationality switch.
"Daria Kasatkina has informed us that she has been granted permanent residency by the Australian government. Tennis Australia warmly welcomes Daria, currently ranked [No.15], to the Australian tennis family. Effective immediately, Daria will compete as an Australian and we wish her all the best for her upcoming tournaments."
