Russian-born Daria Kasatkina stated she was emotional and excited to start a recent chapter in her profession after efficiently switching her allegiance to Australia.
The world No 12 was chatting with reporters for the primary time since her utility for everlasting residency was accepted, with the 27-year-old set to signify Australia for the primary time when enjoying on the Charleston Open this week.
Kasatkina, who got here out as homosexual in 2022, has been crucial of Russia’s restrictions and attitudes in direction of LGBTQ+ rights and strongly opposed the struggle in Ukraine.
“It is my first official day as an Australian participant,” Kasatkina stated on Monday, whereas addressing reporters as “mates” to undertake an Australian colloquialism.
“Truthfully, it feels totally different, I am not going to lie. It is emotional for me. I’ve to get used to it. However I am actually completely happy to begin this new chapter of my life representing Australia on the massive stage.”
Born within the western Russian metropolis of Tolyatti, Kasatkina has not returned to the nation in additional than two years after popping out as homosexual and being one of many few gamers to have publicly spoken out towards the struggle.
Russia has designated the LGBTQ+ motion as extremist and people supporting it as terrorists, paving the best way for critical felony circumstances towards LGBTQ+ folks and their advocates.
Kasatkina, who lives in Dubai and trains in Spain, now plans to make Melbourne her house.
“With all the things occurring in my earlier nation, I did not have a lot alternative,” Kasatkina stated about her choice to modify nationality.
“For me, being overtly homosexual, if I need to be myself, I’ve to make this step, and I did it.”
As a high seed, Kasatkina earns a first-round bye in Charleston and can open her event by enjoying both Lauren Davis or Jamie Loeb within the second spherical when representing Australia for the primary time on court docket.
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