"It was very difficult to be as free as I wanted to be," Kasatkina breaks her silence on her nationality change

Last March, Daria Kasatkina announced her request to change her nationality. A choice driven by the restriction of LGBTQ rights as well as Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Now an Australian citizen, the 28-year-old player reflected on her decision in the CBS Mornings talk show.

"As an outspoken person and as a gay person, with the laws in place in Russia, it is very difficult to be as free as I would like to be. That's what pushed me to change countries, and honestly, I am honored to represent Australia.

My family still lives in Russia, but we are independent people, so they are not responsible for my choices. I just want to be a free person. Unfortunately, this is the world we live in, but I am happy with my decision."

On the sporting side, the world number 17 will face Romania's Ruse in the first round of the US Open.