The world number 12, who becomes Australian number one, announced on Friday that her application for permanent residency had been accepted by the Australian Government and that she would be representing her new country from now on.
Kasatkina is openly gay and has also been the most outspoken Russian player against her country’s involvement in the war in Ukraine.
In early 2023, she said she worried she would never be able to return home because of her sexuality.
Speaking at a press conference at the Charleston Open, she said: “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.”
Kasatkina revealed the process was initiated by Tennis Australia, and admitted the change will take some getting used to.
“It feels different, I’m not going to lie,” the 27-year-old said. “It’s emotional for me. I have to get used to it. But I’m really happy to start this new chapter of my life representing Australia on the big stage.”
Kasatkina will play her first match under the Australian flag in Charleston later this week.