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Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina has announced a major change in her career, revealing that she will no longer represent her home country on the Hologic WTA Tour. The world No. 12 has been granted permanent residency by the Australian Government and will now compete under the Australian flag in upcoming tournaments.
“I will be representing my new homeland, Australia, in my professional tennis career from this point onwards,” Kasatkina wrote on Instagram, sharing that Melbourne will now be her home. “Obviously, there are parts of this decision that have not been easy,” she continued, acknowledging her deep respect and fondness for her Russian roots. However, she expressed excitement about embarking on this new chapter under the Australian flag.
Kasatkina publicly came out as gay in 2022 and has been in a long-term relationship with Natalia Zabiiako. Having been outspoken against Russia’s policies on LGBTQ+ issues and its involvement in the war in Ukraine, the 27-year-old has been living in Dubai and has not returned to Russia in over two and a half years.
Given these circumstances, her decision to distance herself from representing the Russian flag is unsurprising and has long been expected. Just last month, she addressed rumors suggesting she had switched to Spanish nationality after a mix-up with the flag displayed next to her name at a draw ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
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