Main photo credit: Albert Cesare-USA TODAY Sports

Daria Kasatkina Announces Switch From Russia to Australia

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Antonio Sepe | Last updated Mar 29, 2025 8:49 PM ET

Australian tennis has a new top-15 player in the WTA rankings: Daria Kasatkina, a 27-year-old Russian-born player, who announced on social media her decision to represent the country internationally after becoming a permanent resident.

“Australia is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally at home,” reads the statement. “I love being in Melbourne and look forward to making my home there. As part of this, I am proud to announce that I will be representing my new homeland, Australia, in my professional tennis career from this point onwards.”

“Obviously, there are parts of this decision that have not been easy,” Kasatkina added. “I want to express my thanks and gratitude to my family, coaches, and everyone who has supported me throughout my tennis journey so far.”

“I will always have respect and deep appreciation for my roots, but I am thrilled to start this new chapter in my career and my life under the Australian flag,” Daria concluded. “Thank you all for your understanding and continued support.”

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The reasons behind her decision

It was certainly not an easy choice, but for Kasatkina, it felt necessary. Due to the restrictions placed on players from Russia and Belarus over the past three years—since Russia invaded Ukraine—she had to compete as a neutral athlete. However, her situation has been different from that of many of her compatriots. She has not returned to her homeland for the past two and a half years, primarily because she openly criticized Vladimir Putin and the war he is supporting.

After Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina refused to shake her hand at the 2023 French Open, Kasatkina said: “The saddest part is that the war is still going on. So, of course, players from Ukraine have many reasons not to shake our hands. I accept it, and it is what it is. It’s a very sad situation, and I understand.”

Additionally, she came out as a lesbian and travels the world with her girlfriend, sharing their life on tour through YouTube vlogs. That is a deal-breaker in Russia, where homosexuality is condemned. When asked whether two women would ever be allowed to walk down the street holding hands in Russia, she replied, “Never.”

Australia’s reaction

Until today, Kimberly Birrell, ranked No. 68 in the world, was the highest-ranked Aussie. However, besides having a top-15, Australia is happy to welcome Kasatkina for who she is, for what she stands for, and for the values she brings.

“Dasha Down Under. A warm welcome,” wrote the official Instagram account of the Australian Open, while the Federation’s comment on Kasatkina’s post was: “Welcome to the Aussie tennis family.”

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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