Dubai, March 29 -- Russian Daria Kasatkina will switch allegiance to Australia after her application for permanent residency was accepted.
The 27-year-old, who has criticised Russia's LGBTQ+ rules and opposed the war in Ukraine, has been living in Dubai and has not returned to Russia in two and a half years.
Last month she denied suggestions she had switched to Spanish nationality after a mix-up with the flag used next to her name at a WTA Tour draw ceremony, the BBC reported.
The world number 12, who has won eight singles titles, wrote on social media: "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...