Who is Daria Kasatkina, the Russian-born tennis player set to represent Australia

Daria Kasatkina had been playing as a neutral athlete since 2022, following the ban on Russian and Belarusian players from competing under their flags following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Daria Kasatkina is all set for a fresh start in her life, with the Russian-born tennis player set to represent Australia going forward after switching allegiances. The 27-year-old has been playing as a neutral athlete since Russian and Belarusian players were banned from competing under their own flags following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Those days, however, are over for Kasatkina with the Australian government accepting her application for permanent residency.

In an Instagram post Friday, Kasatkina said she was pleased to have gained permanent residency in Australia. Tennis Australia later confirmed that she was now an Australian citizen and would represent Australia.

“I am delighted to let you all know that my application for permanent residency has been accepted by the Australian government,” Kasatkina said. “Australia is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally at home.

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