Dahlia Kasatokina, the world’s No. 12th player and eight-time WTA Tour champion, said on Friday that she has switched her nationality from Russian to Australia.
Kasatkina, 27, said in a statement posted on social media that she was “pleased” that her permanent residency application was accepted by the Australian government.
“Australia is a place I love, an incredibly welcoming and totally home,” Kasatokina posted on X.
Born in Russia and representing her home country since her junior career, including the Women’s France open title in 2014, Kasatkina has spoken honestly about the Ukrainian invasion and the treatment of the Russian LGBTQIA+ community. She has been in ties with Russian figure skater Natalia Zabiako, Olympic silver medalist since 2021.
She publicly announced in a 2022 interview that she was gay, and the revelation temporarily ruled the Russian news cycle, with some politicians calling for her to declare her a “foreign agent.”
Still, as Kasatokina told ESPN last year, “it felt like a stone backpack fell off my shoulder” sharing her truth.
Since then, Kasatkina and Zabiiako have launched a popular YouTube channel that records their trips along with tennis tours. Zabiiako told ESPN in 2024 that she frequently hears from people in Russia inspired by courage.
Kasatkina’s parents remain in Russia, but she has not returned since February 2022 and has lived and trained in Dubai for the past few years.
“Part of this decision was not easy,” Kasatokina said on Friday, thanking not only her family, but also her coaches and others who supported her through her sports journey.
“I have always been honored and respected for my roots, but I am excited to start this new chapter in my career and my life under the Australian flag,” writes Kasatokina.
Ranked 8th place, Casatokina, a 2022 French Open semi-finalist in 2022, is scheduled to play at the Charleston Open next week. She won the title in 2017 at the event (first at the WTA level).
“Australian tennis warmly welcomes Dahlia to the Australian tennis home,” the statement said. “As soon as effective, Dahlia will compete as an Australian. We hope she is the best for her upcoming tournament.”