Daria Kasatkina
Russian tennis star Daria Kasatkina is one of the most well-known faces in the WTA circuit
Daria Kasatkina, Russia’s no.1 female tennis player, has come out as gay – which she revealed in a video interview. The current world No 12 told Russian blogger Vitya Kravchenko that she is in a relationship with a woman and found “living in the closet” impossible.
Kasatkina, who is not currently based in Russia, also posted pictures on Instagram with her girlfriend, the figure skater Natalia Zabiiako.
The 25-year-old also spoke out against attitudes towards homosexuality and restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights in Russia. “So many subjects are taboo in Russia. 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“, she said.
There is currently an effort by Russian lawmakers to broaden this law with a complete ban on the “promotion” of LGBTQ+ relationships in a positive or neutral light, to adults as well as minors, and on showing LBGTQ+ content in cinemas.
Kasatkina said she was inspired to come out after the Russian footballer Nadya Karpova revealed she was gay last month. “Not only did Nadya help herself by coming out and getting this burden off her chest, but she has also helped others,” the tennis star added.
Kasatkina’s interview has gone viral on the internet and reactions have poured in from all sections on Twitter. Let us take a look at some of the reactions.
“So brave of Daria Kasatkina to speak up about this. She dererves respect support & admiration”, tweeted a very supportive fan.
“Great for her, more WTA/ATP should come out too, because certainly (statistically), there should be quite a few”, wrote another fan.
Another fan summed it up beautifully – “I just love watching her game. Such finesse and artistry and it’s beautiful to see. Didn’t know about her sexuality and I don’t care but I do care that she’s free to live her life and love who she chooses.”
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