Daria Kasatkina Switches Citizenship, Will Play for Australia

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday March 28, 2025

There might be no extra clean area subsequent to Daria Kasatkina’s identify when she competes – as a substitute, an Australian flag.

The previous World No.8 and present No.12 introduced on Friday that utility for everlasting residency has been accepted by the Australian authorities.

The Togliatty, Russia native has usually expressed blended emotions concerning the politics of her nation. She was essential of Russia’s invasian of Ukraine in February of 2022, calling it a “full nightmare.”

Kasatkina, who got here out as homosexual in 2022 when she revealed her relationship with determine skater Natalia Zabiiako, was requested final yr if she felt that there was hope for change in Russia.

“My coronary heart is saying sure, my mind is saying no,” she mentioned

The 27-year-old reportedly had not been again to her house nation since 2022.

Daria Kasatkina will play beneath the Australian flag going ahead 👇 https://t.co/QHrwh2MKyD

— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) March 28, 2025

“Australia is a spot I really like, is extremely welcoming and a spot the place I really feel completely at house,” Kasatkina wrote on social media concerning her resolution. “ I really like being in Melbourne and sit up for making my house there. As a part of this, I’m proud to announce that I might be representing my new homeland, Australia, and my skilled tennis profession from this level onwards.

“Clearly, there are components of this resolution that haven’t been simple. I need to specific my thanks and gratitude to my household, coaches, and everybody who has supported me all through my Tennis journey up to now. I’ll at all times have respect and fond appreciation for my roots, however I’m thrilled to start out this new chapter in my profession and my life beneath the Australian flag.”