Ajla Tomljanovic wants world No.12 Daria Kasatkina on an Australian team as soon as possible after the Russian star’s defection

Ajla Tomljanovic hailed the newest member of Australia’s female tennis cohort, world No.12 Daria Kasatkina, as an “incredible addition” to the nation’s stocks hopeful that “common sense” would allow the native Russian to represent her new country in the future. Kasatkina has switched allegiances so she could “be myself” as an openly gay player having been granted permanent residency by the Australian government to the delight of local officials. But while she is playing under the Australian flag at tournaments, Kasatkina isn’t, under current International Tennis Federation (ITF) rules, eligible to represent Australia at Billie Jean King Cup level having previously represented Russia. The governing body can make exemptions depending on circumstances and Tomljanovic, who flipped allegiances herself having played for Croatia in 2010 and 2011, would welcome a new teammate with open arms. “Dasha is a great player and great person,” Tomljanovic, in Brisbane for this week’s double-header showdowns with Kazakhstan then Colombia from Thursday, said. “I think she is an incredible addition as someone who is going to represent Australia. I would love to see her on our team. I think she would fit in really well. “I don’t make the rules, but I would be really happy if she could join this squad. “Common sense isn’t always common, but I really hope that it happens.” Tomljanovic acquired permanent residency in Australia in 2013 and became a citizen in 2018, and in 2019 was granted her an exemption to represent Australia in team events. Outside of periods during which she has been sidelined by injury, Tomljanovic has been a mainstay of the national team. The former world No.32, who is now at 79 after overcoming injury issues said she is “embracing” every opportunity she gets to play in her journey back to the top, confident her best is still in front of her. “That’s the challenge in my career now, but I kind of like it. I know I am capable tennis-wise, but there is a lot more that goes into it with my body and my mind,” she said. “Tennis has gone forward, so you are kind of playing catch-up as well, but lately I have been embracing it a lot more and I am excited. It feels like a ‘3.0 career’ at this point, so it’s fun. “It has been up and down, but overall I feel like I have steadily been going up. “This is always a week that gives me confidence because I am around a team I am really familiar with. We all push each other, and if we come away with a good result it sets you up for a better year.” The Australian team, which consists of Tomljanovic, Kimberley Birrell, Maya Joint and Storm Hunter, faces Kazakhstan on 10 April and Colombia on 12 April at Pat Rafter Arena.