Daria Kasatkina, WTA world number 12, switches allegiances to represent Australia

Russian-born tennis star Daria Kasatkina is switching allegiances to Australia after her application for permanent residency was accepted by the government.

The world number 12 has been playing on the tour as a neutral athlete after Russian and Belarusian players were banned from competing under their own flags following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In an Instagram post, Kasatkina expressed her joy in gaining permanent residency in Australia.

"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."

The 27-year-old rose as high as number eight in the world and has won eight WTA titles — her best grand slam result coming at the French Open where she reached the semi-finals in 2022.

AAP

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