The management of Daria Kasatkina from Russia said the flag error could have “strong implications” for players after he was mistaken as representing Spain at the WTA tourism taking ceremony – which led to the suggestions he switched faithfully.
BBC Sport has been notified by Kasatkina, who has criticized the Russian LGBT rules and opposed war in Ukraine, has not switched loyalty.
The appearance of the Spanish flag next to the name of the world number 11 during the open lottery of Abu Dhabi attracted attention, triggered an online discussion that he decided to stop representing Russia.
“This is wrong and we can firmly deny that he switched to Spain,” Kasatkina management told BBC Sport.
Then on Sunday, the tournament organizer apologized to Kasatkina who was 27 years old for his mistakes.
“This is a completely administrative mistake and has now been fixed,” they said.
Kasatkina, who is one of several gay players openly at the WTA tour, openly out In a video interview, outside With Russian Blogger Vtyya Kravchenko in July 2022.
In the same video, the French Open semifinalist 2022 called for the end of the Russian invasion of neighboring Ukraine. He described the war as a “complete nightmare”.
Kasatkina’s management said it was “difficult” for players since opening up sexuality and its opposition to war.
Kasatkina, who lives in Dubai and sometimes trains in Spain, has not been to Russia in the last two and a half years.
His management said Abu Dhabi’s mistake was “potentially dangerous” for him.
They added: “This brings some strong implications for Daria if Russian authorities feel he is trying to switch – what is not him.”
In 2023, the Russian Supreme Court decided that the “International LGBT Movement” was “extremist organization”.
Human Rights Activists said, outside LGBT rights that are “threatened” and increase the risk of activists demanded.
After the Kasatkina risk taking interview, a Russian politician did not succeed in calling for him to be registered as a ‘foreign agent’ – someone who was considered by Russian authorities to act against the interests of the country.
Last year, Kasatkina tell eSPN, outside He expects “consequences” to follow his actions.
