Tennis star and eight-time WTA singles title winner, Daria Kasatkina, will switch national allegiance from Russia to Australia after her application for permanent residency was accepted.
27-year-old Kasatkina, who is Russian by origin, has been living in Dubai and not returned to her native homeland in two and a half years, after criticising Russia’s LGBTQ+ rules and opposing the war in Ukraine.
“Australia is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally at home. I love being in Melbourne and look forward to making my home there,” the world number 12 said. “As part of this, I am proud to announce that I will be representing my new homeland, Australia, in my professional tennis career from this point onwards.”
Kasatkina added, “Obviously, there are parts of this decision that have not been easy. I want to express my thanks and gratitude to my family, coaches and everyone who has supported me throughout my tennis journey to date.”
She also said, “I will always have respect and fond appreciation for my roots, but I am thrilled to start this new chapter in my career and my life under the Australian flag. Thank you all for your understanding and continued support.”
Kasatkina revealed she is a lesbian during an interview in 2022 and subsequently left Russia afterwards. She denied suggestions she had switched to Spain, after a mix-up with the flag used next to her name at a WTA Tour draw ceremony last month.