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Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina to Represent Australia After Gaining Permanent Residency
World No. 12 tennis professional Daria Kasatkina, originally from Russia, is set to compete under the Australian flag after being granted permanent residency. This significant move for the prominent tennis star comes after she publicly opposed Russia’s actions and advocated for LGBTQ+ rights. Having resided under a neutral flag in recent times, Kasatkina will now officially represent her adopted nation, Australia, in future competitions.
Kasatkina’s Allegiance Shift
The celebrated tennis player’s decision to switch allegiances to Australia follows the acceptance of her permanent residency application by the Australian government. This transition marks a new chapter for Kasatkina, who has been a vocal critic of the conflict in Ukraine.
Due to sanctions imposed following the Ukraine invasion in 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes, including Kasatkina, were barred from competing under their national flags. She has since participated in tournaments as a neutral athlete.
Reasons Behind the Move
Kasatkina’s relocation is also influenced by her outspoken stance on social and political matters. In 2022, she publicly came out as gay, a courageous act that, coupled with her opposition to the war in Ukraine, made a return to Russia unsafe, as she explained in an interview.
In a message shared on Instagram, Kasatkina conveyed her enthusiasm about securing permanent residency in Australia and her plans to relocate to Melbourne.
“I am thrilled to announce that my application for permanent residency has been approved by the Australian Government,” she stated.
Embracing Australia
Kasatkina further elaborated on her deep connection with her new homeland:
- “Australia is a country I adore; it is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel completely at ease.”
- “I love Melbourne and eagerly anticipate making it my permanent home.”
- “Consequently, I am proud to declare that I will be representing my new homeland, Australia, in my professional tennis career moving forward.”
Gratitude and Future Aspirations
Acknowledging the complexities of her decision, Kasatkina expressed gratitude for her support network.
“Naturally, some aspects of this decision have been challenging,” she admitted.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to my family, coaches, and everyone who has supported me throughout my tennis journey thus far.”
“I will always maintain respect and fond remembrance of my origins, but I am excited to embark on this new phase in my career and life under the Australian flag.”
“Thank you all for your understanding and continued support,” she concluded.
Warm Welcome from the Australian Tennis Community
Tennis Australia, the national governing body for the sport, welcomed Kasatkina’s decision, commenting on her social media post, “Welcome to the Aussie tennis family.” Australian player Daria Saville also reacted positively, writing “new neighbour.”
Kasatkina’s Tennis Career
At 27 years old, Kasatkina has achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 8 and has secured eight WTA titles. Her most notable grand slam performance was reaching the semi-finals of the French Open in 2022.
Kasatkina joins a list of players, including Daria Saville, Ajla Tomljanovic, and Arina Rodionova, who have previously switched tennis allegiances.
She is now poised to become Australia’s top-ranked female player, surpassing other Australian competitors since Ash Barty’s retirement.
Amongst Australian women players, Kasatkina is ranked higher than Kim Birrell (No. 68), Joint (No. 80), Tomljanovic (No. 88), Olivia Gadecki (No. 99), and Saville (No. 105).
Kasatkina’s past grand slam achievements include reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open in Melbourne earlier this year, as well as being a former Wimbledon quarter-finalist and twice reaching the fourth round of the US Open.
She also contributed to Russia’s victory in the Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Federation Cup) in 2020-21.