Daria Kasatkina, the WTA world number 12, has officially switched her allegiance to represent Australia in her professional tennis career. This significant decision comes after her application for permanent residency in Australia was accepted, allowing her to embrace her new identity as an Australian athlete.
Kasatkina, who has been playing as a neutral athlete since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, expressed her excitement about this new chapter in her life. In an Instagram post on Saturday, March 29, 2025, she stated, "I am delighted to let you all know that my application for permanent residency has been accepted by the Australian Government. Australia is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally at home."
The 27-year-old tennis star is set to compete under the Australian flag for the first time at the upcoming Charleston Open, marking a new beginning in her career. Tennis Australia has warmly welcomed her transition, with a spokesperson stating, "Daria Kasatkina has informed us that she has been granted permanent residency by the Australian government. Tennis Australia warmly welcomes Daria, currently ranked world No.12, to the Australian tennis family. Effective immediately, Daria will compete as an Australian and we wish her all the best for her upcoming tournaments."
Kasatkina's journey in the tennis world has not been without its challenges. Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, she has had to navigate her career as a neutral competitor after Russian and Belarusian players were banned from competing under their national flags. During this time, she has also been vocal about her opposition to the war, making her one of the few Russian-born athletes to speak out against the conflict.
In addition to her activism, Kasatkina has openly discussed her personal life, including her relationship with figure skater Natalia Zabiiako. She has not returned to Russia for over two years, citing concerns for her safety due to both her sexual orientation and her stance against the war. In her Instagram post, she reflected on her journey, saying, "Obviously, there are parts of this decision that have not been easy. I want to express my thanks and gratitude to my family, coaches and everyone who has supported me throughout my tennis journey to date. I will always have respect and fond appreciation for my roots, but I am thrilled to start this new chapter in my career and my life under the Australian flag."
With this transition, Kasatkina becomes Australia’s new women’s number one and the highest-ranked player since Ash Barty’s retirement. She leads a group of talented Australian players, including Kim Birrell, Maya Joint, Ajla Tomljanovic, Olivia Gadecki, and Daria Saville. Her rankings reflect her impressive career, having previously reached as high as No. 8 in the world and securing eight WTA titles.
Her best performance in a Grand Slam came at the French Open in 2022, where she reached the semi-finals. Additionally, she has made significant strides at other major tournaments, reaching the fourth round at the US Open twice and achieving a quarter-final finish at Wimbledon.
Kasatkina’s decision to represent Australia is part of a broader trend among players who have made eligibility switches, following in the footsteps of other athletes like Saville and Tomljanovic. This move not only highlights her commitment to her new home but also reflects the changing landscape of international tennis, where personal and political factors increasingly influence athletes' careers.
As she prepares to don the Australian colors, the tennis community is abuzz with anticipation for her upcoming matches. Tennis Australia has expressed confidence in Kasatkina's abilities, wishing her success as she embarks on this exciting new phase of her career. The Charleston Open will serve as her debut under the Australian flag, and fans are eager to see how she performs.
In her own words, Kasatkina embodies the spirit of resilience and determination: "Thank you all for your understanding and continued support." As she steps onto the court representing Australia, she carries with her not only the hopes of a nation but also a powerful story of personal growth and advocacy.
The tennis world is watching closely as Daria Kasatkina begins this new chapter in her career. With her skill, experience, and newfound allegiance, she is poised to make a significant impact on the Australian tennis scene.
