The Spanish flag was incorrectly attached to Daria Kasatkina's name during the Abu Dhabi main draw ceremony, which prompted the Russian tennis player's management to strongly deny that she was switching to representing Spain because it could possibly cause her problems back home.
ADVERTISEMENT
After the draw for the WTA 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi was released, fans noticed one interesting thing.
Considering that Kasatkina openly spoke out against Russia's actions in Ukraine and also came out as gay in 2022, it didn't take long before some started assuming that she decided to stop representing Russia.
Also, it should be mentioned that she resides in Dubai and often holds training sessions in Barcelona.
Since 2022 March, Russian and Belarusian players have been playing as "neutrals" on the ATP and WTA Tours.
"This carries some strong implications for Daria if the Russian authorities feel she is trying to switchwhich she is not. We can categorically deny she is switching to Spain," the 27-year-old's spokesperson said.
The Abu Dhabi Open organizers also issued a statement, confirming it was a mistake and apologizing to the world No. 11.
ADVERTISEMENT
"We sincerely apologize for the error made by one of our suppliers during the live draw, whereby an incorrect nationality was shown alongside the name of Daria Kasatkina. This was entirely an administrative mistake and has now been corrected," the tournament said in a statement.
Kasatkina hasn't gone to Russia in years because she feels it would be 'unsafe'
After the Russian tennis star called out her government but also revealed her sexual orientation, a Russian politician wanted her to be listed as "a foreign agent."
While the request wasn't granted, the former world No. 8 didn't want to risk anything and try visiting her country.
"It's unsafe for me now, with the regime we have. As a gay person who opposes the war, it's not possible to go back. But I don't regret it even 1 percent;" the 27-year-old told The Sunday Times in mid-2023.
ADVERTISEMENT
Meanwhile, Kasatkina is set to play against Ashlyn Krueger in the Abu Dhabi first round.
