Nadia Petrova is applying for U.S. citizenship, the tennis.com site quoted the Russian star as saying on Tuesday.
Petrova, who was born in Moscow, has settled in Miami, Florida, and was quoted as saying that she felt comfortable enough to remain there permanently.
"I like the lifestyle. I like the weather. It's just a perfect place for tennis,” the 29-year-old was quoted as saying at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells by the website.
"Everything's so easy. You just come, you need to go to the pharmacy, drug store, it's 24 hours open. Everything is here just for the people, you know. I just feel very comfortable here, relaxed atmosphere, and I don't have to stress. I don't have that crazy traffic like it is in Russia. I don't have those cold winters."
The site said she "confirmed" she had applied for U.S. citizenship.
Petrova, ranked 33, has played in 10 Fed Cup matches for Russia since 2001, the last being February's first-round victory over Spain.
She has 10 career titles and her best Grand Slam performance was semifinal appearances at the French Open in 2003 and 2005.
Petrova meets compatriot Maria Kirilenko in round four at Indian Wells after battling past Sam Stosur 6-1, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (5).
