TOP-15 TALENT SWITCHES ALLEGIANCE TO AUSTRALIA IN STUNNING MOVE

World No.12 Daria Kasatkina has announced she will represent Australia for the rest of her career in a massive coup for Australian tennis.

The 27-year-old was born in Russia and has represented the European nation since juniors, reaching a career-high world No.8 in October 2022.

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Kasatkina shared the shock news to her followers on social media.

"I am delighted to let you all know that my application for permanent residency has been accepted by the Australian Government," she wrote on Instagram.

"Australia is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally 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.

"Obviously, there are parts of this decision that have not been easy, I want to express my thanks and gratitude to my family, coaches, and everyone who has supported me throughout my tennis journey to date. 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 for all your understanding and continued support."

Her best Grand Slam result is a semi-final appearance at the 2022 French Open, having also reached the fourth-round of the Australian Open earlier this year.

There was confusion at the Dubai Open last month when a Spanish flag appeared next to Kasatkina’s name in the draw, suggesting she had switched nationalities, but the information provided was inaccurate.

"It is incorrect and we can categorically deny she is switching to Spain," Kasatkina’s management confirmed.

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