Daria Kasatkina says she didn’t have any choice but to renounce her Russian citizenship and become an Australian due to the country’s LGBTQ+ laws. Kasatkina, the world No.12, is the only openly gay player in the top 100 of singles on the WTA Tour.
She came out in 2022 before leaving her homeland of Russia where there are strict laws which limit the freedom of LGBTQ+ people. The country has fined people for displaying the community’s rainbow symbol and restricts the expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Kasatkina, who is in a relationship with Russian-Estonian figure skater Natalia Zabiiako, initially moved to Dubai and has not been back to Russia in two and a half years.
Last week, the 27-year-old announced on social media that she had become an Australian citizen, following in the footsteps of other previously-Russian players who have switched nationalities since Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
“With everything going on in my previous country, I didn’t have much choice [to switch allegiance],” Kasatkina said before competing at Charleston Open in South Carolina. “For me, being openly gay, if I want to be myself, I have to make this step, and I did it.
“I have to get used to it a little bit, because for a couple of years I didn’t hear anything. But it’s something nice to get used to.”
She added: “It’s my first official day as an Australian player. Honestly, it feels different, I’m not going to lie. It’s emotional for me. I have to get used to it. But I’m really happy to start this new chapter of my life representing Australia on the big stage.”
Kasatkina has been a vocal critic of Russia’s war in Ukraine, prompting a Russian politician to call for her to be listed as a ‘foreign agent’.
The country has also lost fellow tennis players Natela Dzalamidze and Alexander Shevchenko to Georgia and Kazakhstan respectively.
Announcing her news on Instagram last week, Kasatkina wrote: “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. 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. 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. Thank you all for understanding and continued support.”
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