by The tennis player Daria Kasatkina, born in Russia, moves to Australia after her application for permanent residence was accepted by the Australian government.
The 27-year-old Kasatkina was a semi-finalist for French open semi-finalists in 2022 and currently occupies the 12th place in the world. The best career ranking of the eight-time WTA Singles Champion was eight.
Kasatkina played as a neutral athlete on the tour after Russian and Belarusian players were able to compete under their own flags after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In an Instagram post on Friday, Kasatkina said that she was pleased to have won a permanent residence in Australia. Tennis Australia later confirmed that she is now an Australian citizen and would represent Australia.
“I am very happy to tell you all that my application for permanent stay was accepted by the Australian government,” said Kasatkina. “Australia is a place that I love is incredibly inviting and a place where I totally feel at home.
“I love being in Melbourne and looking forward to doing my home there. As part of it, I am proud to announce that I will be represented from this point to my new Homeland Australia in my professional tennis career.”
Kasatkina said in 2023 that she had fled from Russia because she didn’t feel safe, “as a gay person who opposes the war”. Three years ago, Kasatkina went to the stock exchange with her relationship with the Russian Olympic figure Skater Natalia Zabiiako and has lived in Spain and Dubai in the past two years.
During this time, she was also loud critics of the Russian war against Ukraine.
Tennis Australia said on Saturday that Kasatkina had been granted permanent residence.
“Tennis Australia warmly welcomes Daria in the Australian tennis family,” says a explanation. “Immediately effective, Daria will compete as an Australian and we wish her all the best for her upcoming tournaments.”
