The Abu Dhabi Open has issued an apology to Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina after an administrative error during the tournament’s draw ceremony listed her as a player from Spain. This mistake sparked speculation that Kasatkina had switched her nationality.
Kasatkina, who has been playing as a neutral athlete since Russian and Belarusian players were banned from competing under their own flags following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, was visibly upset by the error. Her name appeared next to the Spanish flag during the draw for the WTA 500 event, leading to confusion and concern.
The tournament organizers quickly clarified that this was an administrative mistake and that Kasatkina had not switched her allegiance. They issued a statement on social media, saying, “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. This was entirely an administrative mistake and has now been corrected.”
Kasatkina’s team also denied any change in her nationality, emphasizing that she continues to compete as a neutral athlete. Kasatkina, who lives in Dubai but also trains in Spain, has not returned to Russia in over two years after coming out as gay and speaking out against the war.
The Abu Dhabi Open has assured that steps will be taken to prevent such errors in the future, and Kasatkina is set to compete as the third seed in the tournament, which begins on February 3.
Darya Kasatkina in 2025
Now the world no.11, Darya played her last match on the 20th of January when she was overcome by world no.9 Emma Navarro 6-4 5-7 7-5 in the 4th round of the Australian Open (draw).
This year Darya has achieved a compiled 6-3 match record.
Kasatkina has scheduled to play next in Doha (Qatar TotalEnergies Open). She will start from the main draw that will commence on the 10th of February.
