Aussie defector Daria Kasatkina targeted with death threats after World No.12 switches allegiances

Australia’s newest tennis star has come under fire after switching her allegiances, with a wave of vile threats hurled her way.

Daria Kasatkina has been inundated with hate online following the Russian-born star’s decision to represent Australia after being granted permanent residency.

The 27-year-old previously revealed she could not return to Russia and has not been to her country of birth since 2022, stating it wasn’t safe for her “as a gay person who opposes the war”.

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It had been no secret the World No. 12 was set to change her international allegiance, with Spain – where she largely trains – or Estonia – the country of her partner Natalia Zabiiako – touted as where she would likely next call home.

However, the eight-time title winner announced on Saturday morning she would defect to Australia in an Instagram post.

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

“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 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 all for your understanding and continued support.”

Daria Kasatkina switched her international allegiance from Russia to Australia last week. (Photo by Yuichi YAMAZAKI / AFP)

But following her decision, Kasatkina’s social media accounts were inundated with hate and death threats.

Kasatkina was labelled a “traitor” and a “virus” in several crude comments on the latest ‘What The Vlog’ YouTube episode featuring her and fellow Aussie Daria Saville.

“Well, good luck traitor. This will come back to haunt you, my contempt,” one person wrote.

Another commented: “At a difficult moment when Russia needed support, this rat betrayed.”

While other disgusting comments went even further and called for her to be “eliminated”.

However, the hate in response to her allegiance switch was far outweighed by the outpouring of support from her new home, Australia.

Aussies flooded her social media sections, welcoming her down under with open arms.

Fellow Russian-born Aussie Daria Saville was one of the first to welcome her writing: “New Neighbour”, under Kasatkina’s announcement.

Daria Kasatkina will don the Australian flag for the upcoming French Open . (Photo by Brenton EDWARDS / AFP)

Fans also got behind Kasatkina as they encouraged her to block out the hate and congratulated her on making the move.

“Dasha, you have such a great support! Don’t worry! Be Happy and congratulations on your Australian citizenship,” one fan commented on her recent YouTube video.

“Just another Australian fan here wanting to welcome you to Australia. You are both so welcome here. And we are so, so excited to have you represent us, Dasha. I know this must have been a bittersweet, emotional decision for you, and I can see some of the comments here are not very kind, but Australian fans welcome you both with open arms,” another added.

Kasatkina will now become Australia’s top-ranked female player on tour, becoming the only player inside the WTA’s top 50.

The 27-year-old will don the Australian flag for the upcoming French Open with hopes high that the country’s grand slam drought can be ended.

Kasatkina has won eight WTA titles across her career and reached a career-high ranking of eighth in the world three years ago.