Daria Kasatkina will now play under Australian flag

Daria Kasatkina announced on social media that she has gained permanent residency in Australia and will now play professional tennis under the Australian flag as opposed to that of Russia.

Kasatkina has had a tenuous relationship with Russia since she came out as bisexual and confirmed her opposition to the war against Ukraine all in the same 2022 interview. The 27-year-old has also said that it is too dangerous for her to live in Russia as gay person also who opposes the war.

Now, Kasatkina is an Aussie.

“I am delighted to let you all know that my application for permanent residency has been accepted by the Australian Government,” she wrote on Friday evening. “Australia is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally at home. I love being in Melbourne and look forward to making my home there. As part of this, I am proud to announce that I will be representing my new homeland, Australia, in my professional tennis career from this point onwards.

“Obviously, there are parts of this decision that have not been easy. I want to express my thanks and gratitude to my family, coaches, and everyone who has supported me throughout my tennis journey to date. 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.

“Thank you all for your understanding and continued support.”

Kasatkina is next scheduled to play the WTA event in Charleston, which kicks off the clay-court swing on Monday.