Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina has announced a major change in her career, revealing that she will no longer represent her home country on the Hologic WTA Tour. The world No. 12 has been granted permanent residency by the Australian Government and will now compete under the Australian flag in upcoming tournaments.
“I will be representing my new homeland, Australia, in my professional tennis career from this point onwards,” Kasatkina wrote on Instagram, sharing that Melbourne will now be her home. “Obviously, there are parts of this decision that have not been easy,” she continued, acknowledging her deep respect and fondness for her Russian roots. However, she expressed excitement about embarking on this new chapter under the Australian flag.
Kasatkina publicly came out as gay in 2022 and has been in a long-term relationship with Natalia Zabiiako. Having been outspoken against Russia’s policies on LGBTQ+ issues and its involvement in the war in Ukraine, the 27-year-old has been living in Dubai and has not returned to Russia in over two and a half years.
Given these circumstances, her decision to distance herself from representing the Russian flag is unsurprising and has long been expected. Just last month, she addressed rumors suggesting she had switched to Spanish nationality after a mix-up with the flag displayed next to her name at a draw ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
Most tennis fans in Australia are pleased about this. Everyone loves Daria Gavrilova/Saville so we are already used to Dashas. DK seems like a good person and she deserves to live somewhere where she will be safe. There are some people who think we are not putting enough effort into home grown players, but I don’t think this is true. If they have the talent they will get supported. We just haven’t been very lucky lately.
Australia has a strong tradition of welcoming players who choose to represent the country, and Kasatkina is a fantastic addition. Like Daria Saville before her, she already has a strong connection with Aussie fans, and her decision makes sense given her circumstances.