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Despite her ferocious effort in the first round of the Australian Open Thursday night and a gleaming endorsement from Tennis Australia who dubbed her as a future hope for local tennis, Australia's Department of Immigration has ruled the Russian-born Arina Rodionova will remain a Russian and denied her petition for an Australian citizenship.
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Ironically, Arina's sister, Anastasia, was granted Australian citizenship by the immigration bureau.
The dream of the 185th ranked tennis ace Arina, came crashing after an immigration official sent her a letter rejecting her bid to represent Australia and described her coldly as "not the same caliber as her sister."
However, representative of the 21-year-old claimed Arina could easily be ranked in the nation's top 10 and could climb up to No. 2 in her age group if she represents Australia.
Speaking after her application for citizenship was denied, Arina told reporters, "Australia is a country that loves tennis and has a strong history in the sport that I would be honoured to contribute to. Melbourne feels like home."
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An appeal may by Australian Open director Craig Tiley on behalf of the beleaguered tennis star was also downplayed by immigration officials. Tiley said Arina would flourish given the opportunity.
In August 2010, Arina applied for permanent resident under the ""distinguished talent" category but her application was denied in November. She is appealing the decision of the immigration department.
In her Twitter account, Arina described herself as a "professional homeless tennis player."
Arina's sister Anastasia, was also devastated with the decision after her own application for permanent residency was granted. A step closer to becoming an Australian citizen.
"Arina lives here with me, she loves this country, she spends more of her time in Australia than I do. She is already good, but she will definitely be better and she is on the right track and working hard," Anastais declared.
