“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.”
Kasatkina said in 2023 that she had fled Russia because she did not feel safe “as a gay person who opposes the war.” Three years ago, Kasatkina went public with her relationship with Russian Olympic figure skater Natalia Zabiiako and in the last two years has been living in Spain and Dubai.
During that time, she has also been a vocal critic of Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Tennis Austrlaia said Saturday it had been informed that Australia had granted Kasatkina permanent residency.
“Tennis Australia warmly welcomes Daria to the Australian tennis family,” it said in a statement. “Effective immediately, Daria will compete as an Australian and we wish her all the best for her upcoming tournaments.”
