“Potentially quite harmful”: Daria Kasatkina caught in nationality controversy after Abu Dhabi error

Sunday, 02 February 2025 at 20:30

The WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open held its main draw ceremony this Sunday, where Daria Kasatkina was mistakenly displayed with the Spanish flag, sparking speculation about a potential nationality change. The world No. 11—who has been outspoken about conflicts involving Russia—has previously lived in Barcelona.

The 2022 French Open semifinalist has openly criticised Russia’s LGBTQ+ laws and opposed the war in Ukraine. As soon as the Spanish flag appeared next to her name, social media erupted with rumours about a possible switch in nationality, which was ultimately denied by the tournament organisers.

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“We sincerely apologise 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,” read a statement from the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. “This was entirely an administrative mistake and has now been corrected.”

Since the start of the war, Kasatkina and other Russian players have competed without a flag at tournaments. While she does train in Barcelona at times throughout the year, her current residence is in Dubai, and she has not been in Russia for several years.

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The mistake in Abu Dhabi has raised concerns within Kasatkina’s management, who described the incident as "potentially quite harmful" to her. "This carries some strong implications for Daria if the Russian authorities feel she is trying to switch—which she is not," they stated.

The third seed received a first-round bye and awaits her second-round opponent from the all-American clash between McCartney Kessler and Ashlyn Krueger. The WTA 500 event features a star-studded field, including Elena Rybakina, Paula Badosa, Ons Jabeur, and Emma Raducanu, among others.

🚨 Early spoiler? Russia’s No. 1 Daria Kasatkina was listed under 🇪🇸 during the Abu Dhabi draw ceremony.

Kasatkina has lived in Barcelona for years, with rumors circulating about a potential citizenship change - though no official confirmation has been made.

📷/@TennisONEApp pic.twitter.com/Xy5LRo7xr2
— Ukrainian Tennis • BTU (@ukrtennis_eng) February 2, 2025

Just for the record @DKasatkina is not becoming or become 🇪🇸

It was simply an organisers error.

One that potentially puts her in harms way based on the brave stances she has made.

Let’s put this to bed fast
— Mark Petchey (@_markpetchey) February 2, 2025

pic.twitter.com/ZJkvA12b1p
— Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (@MubadalaADOpen) February 2, 2025

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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