Russian -born Tennis Daria Kasatina, the world number 12, announced on Saturday to play under the Australian flag.
The 27 -year -old, who previously described the war in Ukraine as a “nightmare”, said that he was “satisfied” in Instagram that Australia has approved its permanent residence application.
Kasatkina said he loved Australia and was looking forward to making Melbourne home.
“As a part of this, I am proud to announce that I would represent my new homeland Australia in my professional tennis career.”
“Obviously there are not easy parts of this decision,” he added the player family and coaches for their support.
“I will always take respect and appreciation for my roots, but I am excited to start this new section in my career and in my life under the Australian flag.”
Kasatkina previously called the war in Ukraine as a “nightmare” and revealed that he was homosexual, and after he criticized Russia’s attitude towards homosexuality.
Tennis Australia, along with a heart emojis “Aussie Tennis family, Dasha’ya warm welcome” with a message on social media greeted.
DJW/FOX
