Russian-born tennis gamer Daria Kasatkina states she is changing loyalties to Australia after her application for long-term residency was accepted by the Australian federal government.
The 27-year-old Kasatkina was a French Open semifinalist in 2022 and is presently ranked 12th. The eight-time WTA songs champ’s finest profession ranking was 8th.
Kasatkina has actually been using the trip as a neutral professional athlete after Russian and Belarusian gamers were prohibited from completing under their own flags following Moscow’s intrusion of Ukraine in 2022.
In an Instagram post Friday, Kasatkina stated she was pleased to have actually acquired long-term residency in Australia. Tennis Australia later on validated that she was now an Australian person and would represent Australia.
” I am pleased to let you all understand that my application for long-term residency has actually been accepted by the Australian federal government,” Kasatkina stated. “Australia is a location I enjoy, is exceptionally inviting and a location where I feel completely in the house.
” I enjoy remaining in Melbourne and eagerly anticipate making my home there. As part of this, I am happy to reveal that I will be representing my brand-new homeland Australia, in my expert tennis profession from this point onwards.”
Kasatkina stated in 2023 that she had actually gotten away Russia due to the fact that she did not feel safe “as a gay individual who opposes the war.” 3 years back, Kasatkina went public with her relationship with Russian Olympic figure skater Natalia Zabiiako and in the last 2 years has actually been residing in Spain and Dubai.
Throughout that time, she has actually likewise been a singing critic of Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Tennis Austrlaia stated Saturday it had actually been notified that Australia had actually approved Kasatkina long-term residency.
” Tennis Australia warmly invites Daria to the Australian tennis household,” it stated in a declaration. “Reliable instantly, Daria will contend as an Australian and we want her all the very best for her approaching competitions.”
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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis