Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina to Represent Australia After Residency Approval

The Russian-born player cites her opposition to the Ukraine war and personal identity as key factors in her decision to embrace Australia as her new home.

• Daria Kasatkina, formerly competing as a neutral athlete, announced her decision to represent Australia after gaining permanent residency.
• The move follows her public opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and her coming out as gay, distancing herself from her Russian roots.
• Kasatkina expressed gratitude to her family, coaches, and supporters, acknowledging the challenges of changing national representation.
• She plans to live in Melbourne, describing Australia as a welcoming place where she feels at home and is excited to start a new chapter.
• Kasatkina, a former world number eight with eight WTA titles, continues to be a prominent figure in tennis and global conversations on sports and identity.

5 Articles

ESPN EssentiallySports EssentiallySports