Kasatkina, the one overtly homosexual girl within the high 100 of singles on the WTA Tour, revealed her sexuality in a video interview in 2022 earlier than leaving Russia, which has strict legal guidelines on LGBTQ+ rights.
After additionally criticising the conflict in Ukraine within the interview, a Russian politician unsuccessfully known as for her to be listed as a ‘international agent’ – somebody performing towards Russian pursuits.
Final yr, she stated she was anticipating “penalties” following her actions.
“With all the things happening in my earlier nation, I did not have a lot selection [to switch allegiance],” she advised reporters on Monday.
“For me, being overtly homosexual, if I wish to be myself, I’ve to make this step, and I did it.
“I’ve to get used to it a bit of bit, as a result of for a few years I did not hear something. However it’s one thing good to get used to.”
Natela Dzalamidze and Alexander Shevchenko are amongst different Russia-born tennis gamers to change nationality in recent times, now representing Georgia and Kazakhstan respectively.
