Russia No 1 Daria Kasatkina comes out as gay

World No 12 Daria Kasatkina has revealed that she is gay and has a partner in an announcement that is the first of its kind for a Russian player.
Kasatkina is currently the top-ranked Russian woman, hovering just outside the top ten.
She lamented the lack of openness in Russia and said that she was inspired by the coming out of footballer Nadezhda Karpova.
Kasatkina praised Karpova for opening the door after becoming the first female Russian sportswoman to come out in June.
She hopes that news of her coming out will reach Russia and let LGBT people in Russia know that they are not alone.
“For young people facing problems in public, it is very important when athletes or other well-known personalities talk about it,” she said in an interview with a blogger.
“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,” Kasatkina said.
“Not only did Nadya help herself by coming out and get this burden off her chest, she has also helped others.
“So many subjects are taboo in Russia, some of them more important than ours, it’s no surprise.
Kasatkina dismissed the suggestion that a person would or could choose to be gay.
“This notion of someone wanting to be gay or becoming one is ridiculous,” Kasatkina added.
“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?”
Kasatkina lives in Spain and said that she could no longer live in the closet.
“Living in the closet is impossible. Not for the long run, no. It is too hard. It is pointless, you will be completely focussed on that until you choose to come out. Of course, it is up to you to decide how to do it and how much you tell,” Kasatkina said.
“Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters, and f*ck everyone else.”
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Heather Watson ends her quarter-final drought with win in Thailand – ‘It was just survival of the fittest’
Heather Watson will now face Chinese seventh seed Xinyu Wang.
-
Tennis News
Toni Nadal shares thoughts on fans’ hostility toward Novak Djokovic as well as Rafael Nadal’s future
Toni Nadal on why Novak Djokovic has so many detractors.
-
Tennis News
Stunning LTA numbers confirm tennis participation is booming in Britain
New figures have revealed that there has been a 47 per-cent increase in tennis participation in clubs and parks across Britain.
-
WTA Tour
Aryna Sabalenka’s 2023 tennis schedule: Where is she competing next and her season so far…
A look at Aryna Sabalenka’s possible tournaments for the 2023 season.
-
News
Serena Williams welcomes Tom Brady to ‘retirement world again’ as she opens up about her final match ‘regret’
“Sad to see you go,” Serena Williams told Tom Brady.
-
Tennis News
Elina Svitolina urges IOC to ‘stick to banning Russian and Belarusian athletes’ for Paris 2024 Olympics
Elina Svitolina wants a united front when it comes to sanctions imposed against Russia and Belarus.
-
Tennis News
Marion Bartoli latest to criticise Elena Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov – ‘I just can’t take that any more’
Marion Bartoli basing her opinion on Elena Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov on incidents she witnessed herself.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open viewing figures need context amid Novak Djokovic snipes
TV viewing figures for Australian Open may appear to be disappointing, yet raw figures only reveal part of the story.
-
Tennis News
Nick Kyrgios on crutches as his manager gives fitness update
Everyone is “really, really pleased” with Nick Kyrgios’ recovery.
-
WTA Tour
Iga Swiatek’s 2023 tennis schedule: Where is she competing next and her season so far…
A look at Iga Swiatek’s possible tournaments for the 2023 season.