Russian tennis participant Daria Kasatkina has introduced a serious change in her profession, revealing that she’s going to not symbolize her dwelling nation on the Hologic WTA Tour. The world No. 12 has been granted everlasting residency by the Australian Authorities and can now compete below the Australian flag in upcoming tournaments.
Daria Kasatkina in Sydney, Australia
“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 dwelling. “Obviously, there are parts of this decision that have not been easy,” she continued, acknowledging her deep respect and fondness for her Russian roots. Nonetheless, she expressed pleasure about embarking on this new chapter below the Australian flag.
Kasatkina publicly got here out as homosexual in 2022 and has been in a long-term relationship with Natalia Zabiiako. Having been outspoken in opposition to Russia’s insurance policies on LGBTQ+ points and its involvement within the battle in Ukraine, the 27-year-old has been residing in Dubai and has not returned to Russia in over two and a half years.
Given these circumstances, her determination to distance herself from representing the Russian flag is unsurprising and has lengthy been anticipated. Simply final month, she addressed rumors suggesting she had switched to Spanish nationality after a mix-up with the flag displayed subsequent to her identify at a draw ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
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