Daria Kastakina will make an immediate move to Australia and take over the title as national No. 1 as a result.
The 12th-ranked WTA player announced on social media that she has gained permanent residence in Oz; the Russian-born 27-year-old has based herself in Dubai and Spain for the last several seasons.
“I am delighted to let you all know that my application for permanent residency has been accepted by the Australian Government,” Kasatkina posted.
“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.
She has stayed well away from Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, fearful that her antiwar stance and gay lifestyle would make life dangerous.
“I will always have respect and fond appreciation for my roots, but I am thrilled to start this new chapter in my career and my life under the Australian flag. Thank you all for your understanding and continued support.”
