“If I want to be myself, I have to make this step,” said Daria Kasatkina, who distanced herself from her native country, Russia, almost two and a half years ago. Since then, WTA No. 12 has lived in Dubai, competing in various tournaments. But why did she decide to distance herself from Russia? Well, as Kasatkina put it, she “didn’t have much choice,” after she took a bold stance on several issues that didn’t align with her country’s policies. However, her days of exile are finally behind her with her new Australian citizenship. The 27-year-old couldn’t be happier as she recently revealed why the land of Kangaroos felt like the right choice for her.

It started when Kasatkina publicly confirmed her non-binary identity during an interview with Russian blogger Vitya Kravchenko on July 19th, 2022. She announced her relationship with Russian-Estonian figure skater Natalia Zabiiako and expressed her sheer struggle of “living in the closet.” Kasatkina’s statement highlighted the reception of homosexuality and LGBTQ+ rights in her native country, which influenced her decision to move away from Russia.

Apart from the revelation of her non-binary identity, Kasatkina’s take on the Ukraine war, which she called a “full-blown nightmare,” also caught the spotlight. However, the WTA NO. 12  has moved on from all that and has now switched her allegiance from Russia to Australia.

Kasatkina announced her permanent Australian citizenship last Friday with a message of gratitude. Her reason for choosing the country was quite special. In an IG video shared by the Tennis Channel, Kasatkina said, “I mean, it’s great. I get so much support. The messages from Australian players and coaches. Yeah, it’s great. I feel so much love and support. Thank you so much. Really looking forward to starting to represent Australia on the big stage. Well, Australia is a special place. Coming there every year I just, honestly, was a little bit jealous of how people live there, how they are so open-minded,  and how amazing this place is. I just couldn’t believe that one day I could call this place home, and now I can play under the Australian flag. I just feel great accepted and loved here. And that’s all I was asking for.”

Although there was a sense of relief in Kasatkina’s words, she also emphasized “parts of this decision have not been easy.” In an X post on 29th March 2025, Kasatkina admitted still having “respect and fond appreciation” for her roots alongside her thrill to start a new life in Australia. She also addressed the reporters at the 2025 Charleston press conference as “mate,” a familiar Australian Colloquialism.

With her Australian citizenship, Kasatkina is now the country’s top-ranked player. And the fellow Australian players are delighted about it.

Daria Kasatkina received a warm embrace after announcing her participation under the Australian banner

As an Australian citizen, Kasatkina will first participate in the 2025 Charleston Open, which begins today, and her Australian colleague Ajla Tomlijanovic couldn’t be happier. She confessed to the media that although Kasatkina’s news “came out of nowhere” for her, she still felt “thrilled.” “I think she’s an amazing person, an amazing player, and I just want her to be able to play for us in the BJK Cup (Billie Jean King Cup) and the Olympics. I think that she is an incredible addition. But even as a person, I just think she fits everything Aussie, so I’m excited for her,” Tomlijanovic said.

Tomlijanovic, who is a Croatian native, shifted to Australia in 2013. Unlike Kasatkina, who made Melbourne her hometown, Tomlijanovic chose Brisbane as her place of solitude. Regardless, she believes Kasatkina would quickly adapt to the country. “My biggest thing is I was just very grateful — and I’m sure she will be as well, but at the same time, just be yourself, you know? Because she’s already great as she is,” Tomlijanovic further added, while expressing her own gratitude to the Land of Kangaroos.

Along with Tomlijanovic, Kasatkina’s friend on tour, Daria Seville, is also excited to have the WTA No. 12 on board. “Dash [Saville] is talking non-stop. Since I announced, she’s [been] non-stop. On the phone, she calls me, then she keeps sending me some stuff like apartments and houses around her location [in Melbourne],” Kasatkina revealed.

Daria Kasatkina’s professional journey as an Australian player will begin against Lauren Davis later today. Are you rooting for her victory?