Russian-born tennis star Daria Kasatkina has been warmly welcomed by Tennis Australia and will start competing for her new country immediately after sealing a switch of allegiances.
World No 12 Kasatkina confirmed on Saturday her application for permanent residency has been accepted by the government.
Kasatkina, who will be Australia’s new women’s No.1 and the country’s highest-ranked player since Ash Barty retired, is set to play under the Australian flag for the first time at next week’s Charleston Open.
She has been playing on the tour as a neutral athlete after Russian and Belarusian players were banned from competing under their own flags following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The 27-year-old has not returned to Russia for more than two years after coming out as gay in a video interview in 2022, when she also became one of few Russian-born athletes to speak out against the war in Ukraine.
Kasatkina, who is in a relationship with figure skater Natalia Zabiiako, has said it is unsafe and “not possible” for her to return, due to both her sexuality and her opposition to the war.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Kasatkina expressed her joy and plans to move to Melbourne after previously splitting her time between Dubai and Spain.
“I am delighted to let you all know that my application for permanent residency has been accepted by the Australian Government,” Kasatkina said. “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.”
Tennis Australia’s official account commented on the post, saying “Welcome to the Aussie tennis family”, while good friend Daria Saville wrote “new neighbour”.
“Daria Kasatkina has informed us that she has been granted permanent residency by the Australian government,” a TA spokesperson said.
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“Tennis Australia warmly welcomes Daria, currently ranked world No.12, to the Australian tennis family. Effective immediately, Daria will compete as an Australian and we wish her all the best for her upcoming tournaments.”
Kasatkina rose as high as No 8 in the world and has won eight WTA titles – her best grand slam result coming at the French Open where she reached the semi-finals in 2022.
She follows the likes of Saville, Ajla Tomljanovic and Arina Rodionova in making eligibility switches.
She will clearly be Australia’s new women’s No 1 and the country’s highest-ranked player since Ash Barty retired.
Kasatkina leads Kim Birrell (No 68), Maya Joint (No 80), Tomljanovic (No 88), Olivia Gadecki (No 99) and Saville (No 105) among high-ranked Australians.
Kasatkina reached the fourth round at Melbourne Park for the first time this year, while she is a former Wimbledon quarter-finalist and has twice made the fourth round of the US Open.
She won the Billie Jean King Cup (then Federation Cup) with Russia in 2020-21.