Russian-born tennis player Daria Kasatkina said that she “didn’t have much choice” about the decision to compete for Australia due to her sexuality.

Women’s world No.12 Daria Kasatkina will play for Australia after her application for permanent residency was accepted by the federal government.

The 27-year-old out lesbian tennis star originally hails from Russia, and is currently ranked No. 12 in the world. She told reporters at the Charleston Open, via The Athletic, that the decision is "emotional for me," but that "being openly gay, if I want to be myself, I have to make this step, and I did it.”