Daria Kasatkina switches allegiance to Australia after gaining permanent residency

World number 12 Daria Kasatkina announced on Friday that she will now compete under the Australian flag after receiving approval for permanent residency.

Previously competing as a neutral athlete due to restrictions on Russian and Belarusian players following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Kasatkina has not returned to Russia in over two years. Living in Dubai, she has been one of the few Russian players to openly criticize the war and has also spoken publicly about her personal life after coming out as gay.

"Australia is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally at home," Kasatkina shared in an Instagram post. "I love being in Melbourne and look forward to making my home there," she added, confirming that she would begin representing Australia immediately.

Acknowledging the complexity of her decision, she expressed gratitude to her family, coaches, and supporters. "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."

The 27-year-old, who has reached as high as world number eight, boasts eight WTA titles. Her most notable Grand Slam achievement came in 2022 when she reached the French Open semi-finals.

SportsLigue