Russian-born tennis world number 12 Daria Kasatkina announced yesterday that she will switch to play under the Australian flag. The 27-year-old, who has previously described the war in Ukraine as a "nightmare," revealed on Instagram t
AFP | Sydney
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Russian-born tennis world number 12 Daria Kasatkina announced yesterday that she will switch to play under the Australian flag.
The 27-year-old, who has previously described the war in Ukraine as a “nightmare,” revealed on Instagram that she was “delighted” to share that Australia had approved her application for permanent residency.
Kasatkina expressed her love for Australia and her excitement about making Melbourne her home, adding, “I am thrilled to start this new chapter in my career and my life under the Australian flag.”
“Obviously, there are parts of this decision that have not been easy,” the player admitted, thanking her family and coaches for their support. “I will always have respect and fond appreciation for my roots, but I am looking forward to this new career from this point onwards.”
Kasatkina has previously spoken out against Russia’s stance on homosexuality after revealing she was gay, and she has called the war in Ukraine a “nightmare.”
Tennis Australia welcomed her decision with a social media post: “A warm welcome to the Aussie tennis family, Dasha,” along with a heart emoji.
“As part of this, I am proud to announce that I will be representing my new homeland, Australia, in my professional tennis career,” Kasatkina concluded.
