Kasatkina to represent Australia instead of Russia

After receiving a permanent residency application, Russian Daria Kasatkina will revert to Australia.

The 27-year-old has lived in Dubai and has not returned to Russia in two and a half years. He has opposed the war in Ukraine and criticised Russia’s LGBTQ+ laws.

After a mistake with the flag that was used next to her name during a WTA Tour draw ceremony, she last month denied the possibility of switching to Spanish nationality.

The world number 12 wrote on social media that “Australia is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming, and feels completely at home.

I look forward to making my home in Melbourne and I adore living there.

“As a result of this, I’m pleased to announce that I will start representing my new home, Australia, in my professional tennis career.”

There are obviously some parts of this decision that weren’t simple. I want to thank everyone who has helped me along my tennis journey so far, including my family, my coaches, and myself.

In a video interview in 2022, Kasatkina revealed her sexual orientation and left Russia, which has strict LGBTQ+ rights laws.

A Russian politician unsuccessfully demanded that she be listed as a “foreign agent,” or someone who acts against Russian interests after also criticizing the conflict in Ukraine in the interview.

She stated last year that she anticipated “repercussions” from her actions.