By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, March 28, 2025
There’s a new chapter ahead for Daria Kasatkina, and it’s all about her embracing the Australian spirit. From now on, we’ll see an Aussie flag proudly displayed next to her name in tournaments.
The former World No.8, who is now ranked No.12, shared the exciting news on Friday that she’s been granted permanent residency by the Australian government.
Hailing from Togliatti, Russia, Kasatkina hasn’t shied away from expressing her concerns about her home country’s politics. She was vocal about her disapproval of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine back in February 2022, calling it a “complete nightmare.”
Kasatkina also made headlines in 2022 when she came out as gay, revealing her relationship with figure skater Natalia Zabiiako. Last year, during an interview, when asked if she saw any hope for change in Russia, she candidly said, “My heart is saying yes, my brain is saying no.”
It seems she hasn’t returned to Russia since 2022.
In a heartfelt announcement on social media about her move, Kasatkina wrote, “Australia is a place I love, incredibly welcoming, and it feels like home. I love being in Melbourne and am excited to make it my home. From this point on, I am proud to represent my new homeland, Australia, in my professional tennis career.”
While the decision wasn’t easy, she expressed deep gratitude to her family, coaches, and supporters who have been with her throughout her tennis journey. “I will always respect and cherish my roots, but I’m thrilled to begin this new chapter under the Australian flag.”
