Gay Russian tennis star Daria Kasatkina switches allegiance to Australia
Daria Kasatkina is one of the most high-profile out gay tennis players. (Michael Steele/Getty)
Daria Kasatkina is one of the most high-profile out gay tennis players. (Michael Steele/Getty)
Out Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina has switched allegiances to Australia after she announced her application for permanent residency in the country had been accepted by the government.
The World No. 12 – who was born in the Western Russian city of Tolyatti – came out publicly as gay in 2022 and revealed she was dating fellow Russian athlete Natalia Zabiiako, an Olympic figure skater. She remains one of the most high-profile out gay players on the WTA Tour.
Given Russia’s deeply homophobic climate and her public criticism of the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine, Kasatkina previously said it is “not possible” for her to return to her homeland and had instead been splitting her time between Spain and Dubai.
In a statement on social media on Saturday (29 March), the 27-year-old confirmed she would henceforth be representing Australia in her professional career after the Australian government granted her residency.
“I am delighted to let you all know that my application for permanent residency has been accepted by the Australian Government,” she wrote.
“Australia is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally at home. 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.
“Obviously, there are parts of this decision that have not been easy. I want to express my thanks and gratitude to my family, coaches and everyone who has supported me throughout my tennis journey to date.
“I will always have respect and fond appreciation for my roots, but I am thrilled to start this new chapter in my career and my life under the Australian flag. Thank you all for your understanding and continued support.”
She concluded the written post with a purple heart emoji and captioned it simply with an Australian flag.
In response to her post, Tennis Australia’s official account commented “Welcome to the Aussie tennis family” and the Australian Open account replied “Dasha Down Under. A warm welcome 💙”.
Prior to receiving her residency, 27-year-old Kasatkina has been playing tennis on the WTA Tour as a neutral athlete after Russian and Belarusian players were barred from competing under their country’s flags following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A 2018 Indian Wells Open finalist, 2021 Billie Jean King Cup (then Federation Cup) winner and 2022 French Open semi-finalist, Kasatkina highest WTA ranking is No. 8.
Following her switch, she will become the new Australian No. 1 and joins other former Russian players who defected to the country, including Arina Rodionova and Daria Saville.
A spokesperson for Tennis Australia said, as quoted by The Guardian: “Daria Kasatkina has informed us that she has been granted permanent residency by the Australian government.
“Tennis Australia warmly welcomes Daria, currently ranked world No.12, to the Australian tennis family. Effective immediately, Daria will compete as an Australian and we wish her all the best for her upcoming tournaments.”
