Russian-born Anastasia Rodionova became an Australian citizen at a ceremony in Melbourne today, after having lived in the Victorian capital with her partner Lorne Padman since 2005.

Rodionova has been able to represent Australia at Grand Slam tournaments, but not elsewhere on Tour. That will change at the start of the 2010 season, when she will make her debut under her new flag at the Brisbane International.

The world number 96 joins 13th-ranked Samantha Stosur and world number 57 Jelena Dokic as Australia's top three female players.

"I am so excited and proud to be an Aussie," said Rodionova, who first competed Down Under in 2002. "Gaining citizenship of this great country makes me feel like my adopted home is now finally my true home.

"I'd like to thank the Australian Government and every one at Tennis Australia for helping me for all of these years to achieve this amazing result. I am very honoured to represent Australia at every single tournament I play and I hope to make our nation proud."

Australia plays a Fed Cup tie against Spain in February, and Rodionova says she would love the chance to play for her new country.

"I hope Tennis Australia will contact me soon, since I have the Australian citizenship now," she said.

"If I could play Fed Cup that would be great.


(via Sony Ericsson WTA Tour)

Anastasia Rodionova officially an Aussie