Courtesy: Google
Russian-born tennis star Daria Kasatkina has officially switched her national allegiance to Australia, marking a significant move in her career. The world number 12 announced that her application for permanent residency was approved, allowing her to represent Australia in future competitions. Kasatkina, who has not returned to Russia in over two years, cited safety concerns as a gay individual and her opposition to Russia's war in Ukraine as key reasons for the switch.
She previously criticised her home country’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights and voiced support for Ukrainian athletes, which made her a controversial figure in Russia. In a statement, Kasatkina expressed her fondness for Australia, saying she feels at home there and is excited for this new chapter.
Tennis Australia welcomed her with open arms, recognizing her as the nation’s new number one women’s singles player. With eight WTA titles and a career-high ranking of No. 8, Kasatkina brings significant talent and experience to Australian tennis. Her decision comes at a time when Australia is seeking new talent to end its Grand Slam drought.
Poor outing for Daria Kasatkina at the latest Miami Open
Daria Kasatkina’s move is expected to have a major impact on Australian tennis. She will now compete under the Australian flag at Grand Slams and international events, potentially boosting the nation’s tennis prospects. At the Miami Open 2025, Daria Kasatkina, seeded 12th, faced a challenging second-round match against American wild card Hailey Baptiste. Despite a strong start, Kasatkina was defeated in a three-set battle, with a final score of 6-3, 4-6, 5-7.
This early exit marked a setback for Kasatkina, who had entered the tournament with high expectations. Her performance in Miami resulted in a loss of 65 ranking points, causing her to drop from 3,061 to 3,006 points.
