Daria Gavrilova is appealing tightened International Tennis Federation rules that prevent her from representing Australia in Fed Cup, despite her receiving citizenship.
The new rule requires players to be citizens for at least two years before representing their countries in Davis or Fed Cup. Previously, players could play for their countries upon becoming citizens if they had not represented another country in the previous three years.
The 21-year-old will not be on the Australian team for this week's tie, but is appealing in order to play in the next round of the competition.
"Her eligibility is still under consideration, and it will be addressed at the next ITF board meeting," her manager, Paul Kilderry, told *The Australian*. "We’re confident Daria’s case will be treated fairly and she’ll be ready to play."
The requirement is part of a tightening of ITF representation rules introduced a year ago. It also prevents players from playing for more than one country in official team competition during their careers. The rule does not apply to junior competition.