Tenista Daria Kasatkina, number 12 in the world, has assured that “did not have much choice” when deciding to change her nationality from Russian to Australian, since she considers that Russia does not respect LGTBI rights.
Kasatkina, which has become the number one Australian, announced on Friday that his permanent residence application had been accepted by the Australian government and that from now on he would represent his new country.
Kasatkina, born in the town of Toliatti, declared herself openly homosexual and has also been the most openly contrary Russian player contrary to the involvement of her country in the Ukraine War. At the beginning of 2023, he said he was not being able to return to his country due to his sexuality.
Thus, he gave his reasons at a press conference in the Charleston Tournament (United States). “With everything that was happening in my previous country, I didn’t have many options. For me, being openly lesbian, if I want to be myself, I have to take this step, and I gave it,” he said.
Kasatkina revealed that the process was initiated by the Australian Tennis Federation, and admitted that it will cost him to get used to change. “I feel different, I’m not going to lie. It’s emotional to me. I have to get used to it. But I’m very happy to start this new chapter of my life representing Australia in the great stage,” said the 27 -year -old player. Kasatkina will play her first game under the Australian flag in Charleston at the end of this week.