Billie Jean King stnading on court holding the Venus Rosewater Dish with the Doubles Trophies on a tablein front of her on Centre Court at The Championships 1973. At The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. 1973. Credit – AELTC/Michael Cole
The Legendary former tennis player, Billie Jean King has come out in support of Russia’s Daria Kasatkina who recently revealed that she was in a relationship with a woman.
Daria Kasatkina is Russia’s highest-ranked female tennis player. The 2022 French Open semifinalist opened up on her relationship with the figure skater Natalia Zabiiako during a video interview with Russian blogger Vitya Kravchenko.
Kasatkina also shed light on the attitude of Russians towards homosexuality and restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
“So many subjects are taboo in Russia,” Kasatkina said. “This notion of someone wanting to be gay or becoming [gay] is ridiculous. I think there is nothing easier in this world than being straight.”
“Seriously, if there is a choice, no one would choose being gay. Why make your life harder, especially in Russia? What’s the point?” world No. 12 added.
Now she has found support from multi-time Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King. The 78-year-old took to Twitter and applauded Kataskina for showing “bravery to live authentically”.
“Sending all our support to @DKasatkina, Russia’s No. 1 ranked tennis player, who has come out as gay.
It takes a great deal of bravery to live authentically, but it is worth it. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️”
Daria Kasatkina mentioned in her interview that it was the Russian footballer Nadya Karpova who inspired her to come out of the closet and reveal herself as gay.
During Kasatkina’s interview with Vitya Kravchenko, the tennis star thanked Karpova for coming out and revealing herself as gay and inspiring others to do the same as well.
“My respects to Nadya Karpova for coming out, attagirl. I was happy for her, but also other people, especially girls who needed to know that. It has empowered them for sure, supported them. Not only did Nadya help herself by coming out and get this burden off her chest, she has also helped others,” Kasatkina said.
After the interview got viral on the internet, the 25-year-old shared a picture of herself and her girlfriend on social media. Karpova reacted to the post as she wrote: “You are beautiful! I’m proud.”
The 27-year-old footballer also shared a story on her Instagram handle and wrote: “I’m so proud! @kasatkina you go, girl!!!”
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