Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina expressed her emotions and excitement as she embarks on a new chapter in her career by representing Australia at the ongoing Charleston Open. This change follows her recent acquisition of permanent Australian residency, allowing her to officially compete under the Australian flag.
The 27-year-old has been participating on the tour as a neutral athlete after Russia and Belarus players were prohibited from competing under their own flags due to geopolitical tensions following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. “It’s my first official day as an Australian player,” Kasatkina remarked, affectionately addressing reporters as “mates” and acknowledging the significance of her transition.
Kasatkina, originally from Tolyatti, Russia, has not visited her home country for over two years. She became one of the few athletes to publicly denounce the war and has openly identified as gay, which has made her situation particularly challenging in a country where the LGBT movement is labeled as extremist and its advocates face serious repercussions.
Living in Dubai and training in Spain, Kasatkina plans to make Melbourne her new home. “With everything going on in my previous country, I didn’t have much choice. For me, being openly gay, if I want to be myself, I have to make this step, and I did it,” she stated.
As she looks forward to her upcoming match in the second round of the Charleston Open against either Lauren Davis or Jamie Loeb, this represents a significant milestone in her journey as an openly gay athlete competing under a new national identity.
Kasatkina’s journey is not only inspiring for her fans but also highlights the evolving landscape of inclusivity in sports, where athletes can find freedom and acceptance to be true to themselves while pursuing their careers. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for many, emphasizing resilience and the importance of seeking safe spaces for self-expression in the athletic world.
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