Russia’s Daria Kasatkina’s administration say a flag error may have “robust implications” for the participant after she was wrongly listed as representing Spain at a WTA Tour draw ceremony – resulting in strategies she had switched allegiance.
BBC Sport has been advised Kasatkina, who has criticised Russia’s LGBT guidelines and opposed the battle in Ukraine, has not switched allegiance.
The looks of the Spanish flag subsequent to the world quantity 11’s title through the Abu Dhabi Open draw attracted consideration, sparking on-line dialogue that she had determined to cease representing Russia.
“It’s incorrect and we are able to categorically deny she is switching to Spain,” Kasatkina’s administration advised BBC Sport.
In a while Sunday, match organisers apologised to 27-year-old Kasatkina for the error.
“This was a wholly administrative mistake and has now been corrected,” they stated.
Kasatkina, who’s one of some overtly homosexual gamers on the WTA Tour, publicly got here out in a video interview, external with Russian blogger Vitya Kravchenko in July 2022.
In the identical video, the 2022 French Open semi-finalist referred to as for an finish to Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. She described the battle as “a whole nightmare”.
Kasatkina’s administration stated it had been “troublesome” for the participant since overtly discussing her sexuality and opposition to the battle.
Kasatkina, who lives in Dubai and typically trains in Spain, has not been to Russia previously two and a half years.
Her administration stated the Abu Dhabi error was “doubtlessly fairly dangerous” to her.
They added: “This carries some robust implications for Daria if the Russian authorities really feel she is attempting to change – which she just isn’t.”
In 2023, Russia’s Supreme Court docket dominated the “worldwide LGBT motion” was an “extremist organisation”.
Human rights activists said, external the ruling “jeopardised” LGBT rights and elevated the danger of activists being prosecuted.
Within the aftermath of Kasatkina’s risk-taking interview, one Russian politician unsuccessfully referred to as for her to be listed as a ‘international agent’ – somebody deemed by the Russian authorities to be appearing in opposition to the nation’s pursuits.
Final yr, Kasatkina told ESPN, external she was anticipating “penalties” following her actions.